For single energy (single wavelength) experiment the correct term is
"diffraction pattern". For multi energy (energy dispersive, ToF)
experiment, the correct term is "diffraction spectrum".
From http://www.etymonline.com/ :
pattern (n.)
1324, "the original proposed to imitation; the archetype; that which is
to be copied; an exemplar" [Johnson], from O.Fr. patron, from M.L.
patronus (see patron). Extended sense of "decorative design" first
recorded 1582, from earlier sense of a "patron" as a model to be
imitated. The difference in form and sense between patron and pattern
wasn't firm till 1700s. Meaning "model or design in dressmaking"
(especially one of paper) is first recorded 1792, in Jane Austen. Verb
phrase pattern after "take as a model" is from 1878.
spectrum
1611, "apparition, specter," from L. spectrum "appearance, image,
apparition," from specere "to look at, view" (see scope (1)). Meaning
"band of colors formed from a beam of light" first recorded 1671.
Spectroscope (1861) is a hybrid, with Gk. -skopion, from skopein "to
look at, examine," which is from the same PIE root as spectrum.
specter
Radovan
Lubomir Smrcok a écrit :
Spectrum:
from Latin >spectrum< appearance, specter, from >specere< to look, look at
Lubo
On Thu, 11 Feb 2010, amar...@chimica.unige.it wrote:
Dear all,
I see that in scientific literature (also in high-impact factor
scientific
journals) the diffraction patterns are often referred to as diffraction
spectra. But we all know that diffraction is not a spectroscopic
technique.
Should we pay more attention on this aspect when we write or refer a
paper?
What about?
Best regards,
Alberto
--
Radovan Cerny
Laboratoire de Cristallographie
24, quai Ernest-Ansermet
CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
Phone : [+[41] 22] 37 964 50, FAX : [+[41] 22] 37 961 08
mailto : radovan.ce...@unige.ch
URL : http://www.unige.ch/sciences/crystal/cerny/rcerny.htm
