In a previous paper by J.P. Morniroli and J.W. Steeds [Ultramicroscopy
45 (1992) 219] it was shown that microdiffraction patterns obtained w
ith a nearly parallel electron beam and a small spot size can be used
to identify and to characterize crystal structures. A systematic metho
d was proposed to deduce, via the Buerger extinction symbol, the space
group or a set of consistent space groups. In order to illustrate how
this method can be applied experimentally, three examples concerning
the sigma, chi and R intermetallic phases are detailed. Experimental s
olutions are given to overcome difficulties connected with the frequen
t absence of high-order Laue zone reflections on high-symmetry zone ax
is patterns. The possibility to identify the Buerger extinction symbol
from a unique zone axis pattern is also explored.