Ambiguities in Powder Indexing: Conjunction of a Ternary and Binary Lattice Metric Singularity in the Cubic System

A lattice metric singularity occurs when unit cells defining two (or more) lattices yield the identical set of unique calculated d-spacings. The existence of such singularities, therefore, has a practical and theoretical impact on the indexing of powder patterns. For example, in experimental practice an indexing program may find only the lower symmetry member of a singularity. Obviously, it is important to recognize such cases and know how to proceed. Recently, we described: a binary singularity involving a monoclinic and a rhombohedral lattice in a subcell-supercell relationship anda second type of singularity-a ternary singularity-in which two of the three lattices are in a derivative composite relationship. In this work, we describe a ternary lattice metric singularity involving a cubic P, a tetragonal P, and an orthorhombic C lattice. Furthermore, there is a binary singularity, involving a hexagonal P and orthorhombic P lattice, which is characterized by a set of unique d-spacings very close to that of the ternary singularity. The existence of such singularities is more common than once thought and requires a paradigm shift in experimental practice. In addition singularities provide opportunities in material design as they point to highly specialized lattices that may be associated with unusual physical properties.