Abstract. Subtleties in the electronic structure of complex materials can be directly observed, in great detail, by means of the Bragg diffraction of x-rays whose energy matches an atomic resonance. Strange atomic multipoles can be encountered in the interpretation of measured Bragg intensities, e.g., chirality and magnetic charge. Additionally, the x-ray technique allows the direct observation of the enantiomorphic screw-axis in chiral crystals, such as tellurium, low quartz and berlinite.

Print publication: Issue 47 (25 November 2009)
Received 7 April 2009, in final form 21 July 2009
Published 5 November 2009