Lattice Scattering

duration: 6′17″ 
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Atoms, or smaller particles, are naturally lined up in a crystal formation (lattice). Lightwaves are sent towards this lattice to find out how the light bounces off and scatters. By analyzing the patterns and shapes this scattering creates, one can learn about the geometry of the lattice, and thereby the structure of the matter in question. This is a procedure which is frequently done when engineers want to test a new material for an industrial design. If the wavelength of the light is larger than the space between the lattice points, there will be no interaction and the light wave will just pass through (silence). However, if the wavelength is just right, there will be reactionary oscillations, which will create "phonon scattering" (sound).