Thickness dependence of the intensities of the 200 forbidden reflections in the TiBe2 diamond type structure

Abstract

It is interesting to note that for the diamond type structure of Si, Ge and diamond, the forbidden {200} reflections in the exact <100> orientation diffraction pattern cannot be seen. In contrast, we also note a standing controversy over the structure of the MgAl2O4, spinel. Its structure was determined long ago by x-ray powder method as Fd3m (the diamond type). However, its electron diffraction pattern taken in the <100> orientation shows weak {200} reflections, which are taken as evidence that the spinel should have the space group F43m (the blende type), rather than Fd3m. Others speculate that these {200} reflections result from the high order Laue zone (HOLZ) reflections, and the spinel should be Fd3m. Nevertheless, still others think that these analyses are not conclusive. We have carefully studied the space group of TiBe2 using the convergent beam electron diffraction technique, and unambiguously demonstrated that its space group must be Fd3m.