Multiple Bragg reflection by a thick mosaic crystal

Symmetric Bragg-case reflections from a thick, ideally imperfect, crystal slab are studied mostly by analytical means. The scattering transfer function of a thin mosaic layer is derived and brought into a form that allows for analytical approximations or easy quadrature. The Darwin-Hamilton equations are generalized, lifting the restriction of wavevectors to a two-dimensional scattering plane. A multireflection expansion shows that wavevector diffusion can be studied independently of the real-space coordinate. Combining analytical arguments and Monte Carlo simulations, multiple Bragg reflections are found to result in a minor correction of the reflected intensity, a moderate broadening of the reflected azimuth angle distribution, a considerable modification of the polar angle distribution, and a noticeable shift and distortion of rocking curves. (C) 2014 International Union of Crystallography