wave vector

in X-ray reflectrometry
symbol: k
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.09441
Vector in reciprocal space describing the direction of propagation of X-rays and equal in magnitude to 2π/λ, where λ is the wavelength of the X-rays.
Note: In different fields of study, the wave vector is taken as 2π/λ or as 1/λ. In X-ray reflectometry the former is usually used.
Source:
PAC, 2020, 92, 1781. (Glossary of methods and terms used in surface chemical analysis (IUPAC Recommendations 2020)) on page 1849 [Terms] [Paper]
Citation: 'wave vector' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.09441 RIS BibTex EndNote
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