The dynamical theory of X-ray Bragg diffraction from a crystal with a uniform strain gradient. The Green–Riemann functions

Abstract

The dynamical problem of X-ray Bragg diffraction from a thick (semi-infinite) crystal deformed by a uniform strain gradient (USG) is treated on the basis of the Green-Riemann function formalism. The rigorous solution of the problem is formulated by means of the Huygens-Fresnel principle. The exact Green functions are obtained in the form of the Laplace integrals suitable in physical applications. The quasi-classical and the Born (kinematical) asymptotic expansions of the Green functions are constructed as functions of the effective USG parameter B. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the wave-field propagation in a crystal with USG. The spatial harmonics Re(q) of the diffracted Green function, when Re(qB) < 0, as is shown, propagate within the proper 'waveguides', while the ones with Re(qB) > 0 are damped exponentially in the bulk of the crystal. The Taupin problem of the Bragg dynamical diffraction of the X-ray incident plane wave from a thick crystal, the lattice spacing being a linear function of the coordinate z (along the inward normal to the entrance surface) only is solved exactly in analytical form. In the latter case the waveguide nature of the propagation of the spatial harmonics inside such a crystal, provided that Re(qB) < 0, is clearly revealed.