New Interpretation of X-ray Diffraction Pattern of Vitreous Silica

The striking feature of X-ray diffraction pattern vitreous silica is that the center its intense but broad ring located at nearly same position as strongest β-cristobalite. Two fundamentally different explanations to patterns were appeared about 90 years ago, one based on smallest crystals β-cristobalite and other non-crystalline continuous random network. This work briefly outlines facts supporting objecting these two hypotheses, aims present a new interpretation medium-range ordering structure facets clusters formed in glass transition process. It will be shown provides more satisfactory explanation physical properties glass, offers considerable valuable information regarding nature transition.