Interactive Unit Cell Visualization Tool for Crystal Lattice Structures

A set of visualizations developed for the purpose of explaining solid state lattice structures is presented in this paper. The visualizations provide students with the option to view stacking patterns, extended structures, and individual unit cells for simple, body-centered and face-centered cubic, and hexagonal close-packed structures. Additionally, the visualizations include lattice structures for NaCl and CaF[subscript 2], providing a visual perspective of empirical formulas and ionic lattice arrangements.