Hello,
Would someone explain how one would need more than two basic vectors to descrive a primitive diatomic unit cell?
The answer from the notes is not clear to me (and not a full sentence):
"A diatomic crystal could require more than two basis vectors if the atoms as determined by the spatial location of the atoms. "
Hi Majolein!
From your question, I believe you are imagining a diatomic lattice like this:
where indeed just two vectors are enough. But let me show you a different lattice
How many lattice vectors do you think you’d need? You might have only two types of atoms but considering also their ‘irregular’ position leads you to need more vectors than just two.
Hope this clarifies. Let me know, please!
