Intended to acquaint the reader with the theory of x-ray diffraction, the experimental methods involved, and the main applications. The book is a collection of principles and methods stressing X-ray diffraction rather than metallurgy. The book is written entirely in terms of the Bragg law and can be read without any knowledge of the reciprocal lattice. It is divided into three main parts—Fundamentals; experimental methods; and applications. Designed for beginners, not as a reference tool for the advanced reader.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 2.5 based on 10 reviews)

They wasted this book!

The second edition of Cullity's text is a classic. It was an extremely useful book for experimentalists who have to use x-ray diffraction to study solid state materials. It did not have a lot of theory, but gave very clear explanations of the concepts and methods needed to apply this powerful characterization technique. After studying at least part of this book you could go to the lab, set up and use a diffractometer or camera, and interpret the results. I thought it would have been great to have an updated edition, incorporating the many advances since that edition from three decades ago - and there have been many.

Unfortunatelly, this was not to be. The third edition has made a hash of the clear exposition which was Cullity's strength. I teach courses in Solid State Physics and Thin Film Physics. When recommending references on XRD to my students, and particularly to graduate students who work with me, I advise them to stay away from the third edition of this book and use instead particular chapters of Cullity's second edition for a clear and concise introduction to the subject.
March 08, 2008

2nd Edition Review

Well, firstly I must say that this book could do with a great deal more mathematical rigour. Units are missing in areas that are somewhat critical. However, given the subject matter (x-ray diffraction (XRD) is not overly mathematical), you surely won't be stuck for hours. I am a pretty mathematical person, and if I edited this book, it would probably be one of the best.

On the plus side: this book has some awesome prose. It really is well-written, and, to confirm the words of another reviewer, Cullity is able to describe mathematically complicated ideas in words. THAT is laud-worthy, in my opinion.

Also on the plus side: experimental techniques are included, the applications of XRD, and many useful tables of information. This book is essential for the experimenter!

If it was more mathematically sound, heck, I'd give this book five stars, easy.
December 16, 2007

Practitioners title

This is a good reference book for persons who does x-ray diffraction studies. It tells all the practical things without going too deep into the theory.
February 08, 2007

Horrible textbook

B. D. Cullity has authored or co-authored several textbooks on x-ray diffraction that are commonly used in college classes on diffraction. This version by Addison-Wesley which was first published in the late 1970's is probably the worst one. The text is very difficult to understand, equations are not fully explained, and many terms are used that can be quite unfamiliar to engineers and scientists without prior knowledge of reciprocal space and crystallography. The book attempts to explain the entire concept of diffraction using Bragg's law, without providing the more intuitive view of photons and electrons in the Brillouin Zone. As such, the conceptualization is tricky even though the math is not that difficult. I would not recommend buying, or even using this book, for learning or teaching about diffraction.
December 17, 2005

Poorly Edited Edition

Cullity's expostion of x-ray diffraction is excellent, but the third edition, as noted by other reviewers, is missing all chapter specific references. If you're interested in this title, try to find a copy of the second edition.
August 22, 2003

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