KOSSEL

KOSSEL, developed by JCrystalSoft, stands out as a remarkable application in the Education category. Specifically, it is a noteworthy tool under the Science Tools subcategory. The program is focused on simulating Kossel patterns and Kikuchi patterns for periodic crystal systems, shedding light on the intricate behaviors of these patterns without performing intensity calculations. Instead, it ensures that reflection conditions are adhered to for the selected space group.

The latest version of the software, 1.0, comes in at a compact 3.1 MB, making it easy to download. The program includes two essential files: KOSSEL.exe, and pythonw.exe. While the software's official support is limited to Windows 7, and 8, previous iterations such as 1.5, and 1.0 also offered robust performance.

KOSSEL serves as a follow-up to KOQUA, its DOS-based predecessor that was originally developed for simulating K-patterns in both crystals and quasicrystals. For those looking to explore crystallographic patterns without the burden of intensity calculations, KOSSEL is a suitable modern solution.

The application operates on a Demo license, providing an excellent avenue for students and professionals to evaluate its capabilities before making a commitment. Being a free tool, though with limited demo functionalities, it remains accessible to a wide audience eager to delve into the realm of crystal simulations.

Pros:

• Free download for initial use.
• Compact file size at just 3.1 MB.
• Targeted simulation of Kossel and Kikuchi patterns.

Cons:

• Demo version may have limited functionalities.
• Only supports older operating systems like Windows 7/8.
• Doesn't perform intensity calculations, which might be a drawback for some advanced users.

You may want to check out more software, such as Maxima and Minima, IUCLID5 or ECoord, which might be similar to KOSSEL.