Discover

Share

Download

Features

/

Article

30 years of small‐angle x‐ray scattering

NOV 01, 1969

In the early days of x‐ray diffraction, scattering close to the primary beam was a nuisance, to be disposed of with a large beam trap. Careful study of this scattering has yielded information on features intermediate in scale between that of the atomic arrangement in a crystal and that of the images in the electron microscope.

DOI: 10.1063/1.3035251

André Guinier

EXPERIMENTAL AND THEORETICAL advances in the study of x‐ray diffraction at small angles both started about 30 years ago. With the focusing crystal monochromator experimenters could obtain the intensity and resolution they needed to resolve the diffraction pattern close to the primary beam. Now many other methods allow a study of this kind of scattering. And application of the form‐factor concept in scattering theory provided a statistical measure for the average size and shape of the small grains that are responsible for this kind of scattering.

This article is only available in PDF format

More about the authors

André Guinier, Solid‐State Physics, Faculté Des Sciences, Orsay.

© 1969 American Institute of Physics

Physics Today is looking for a Senior Editor. Apply Now.

Related content

Features

/

Article

A brief guide to science outreach

Figuring out how to communicate with the public can be overwhelming. Here’s some advice for getting started.

December 16, 2025 04:38 PM

Features

/

Article

The urgent need for research governance of solar geoengineering

Amid growing investment in planetary-scale climate intervention strategies that alter sunlight reflection, global communities deserve inclusive and accountable oversight of research.

December 15, 2025 12:05 PM

Features

/

Article

Superconducting quantum circuits: At the heart of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics

Although motivated by the fundamental exploration of the weirdness of the quantum world, the prizewinning experiments have led to a promising branch of quantum computing technology.

November 25, 2025 03:04 PM

Features

/

Article

Solid-state batteries: Hype, hopes, and hurdles

As conventional lithium-ion battery technology approaches its theoretical limits, researchers are studying alternative architectures with solid electrolytes.

November 10, 2025 10:22 AM

This Content Appeared In

Volume 22, Number 11

Get PT in your inbox

PT The Week in Physics

A collection of PT's content from the previous week delivered every Monday.

One email per week

PT New Issue Alert

Be notified about the new issue with links to highlights and the full TOC.

One email per month

PT Webinars & White Papers

The latest webinars, white papers and other informational resources.

1 to 2 emails per week