Structure of liquids and glasses by neutron and x-ray diffraction techniques

What is it about?

The techniques of neutron diffraction and x-ray diffraction, as applied to structural studies of liquids and glasses, are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on the explanation and discussion of the experimental techniques and data analysis methods, as illustrated by the results of representative experiments. The disordered, isotropic nature of the structure of liquids and glasses leads to special considerations and certain difficulties when neutron and x-ray diffraction techniques are applied, especially when used in combination on the same system. Recent progress in experimental technique, as well as in data analysis and computer simulation, has motivated the writing of this review

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Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

Why is it important?

DIffraction is a widely used tool for investigating the structure of materials. Unlike crystalline systems, where symmetry provides a guide to the interpretation of the diffraction results, liquids and glasses are structurally disordered, which leads to challenges. The review explains the experimental methods that can be applied to explore the stucture of liquids and glasses and illustrates the nature of the information that can be obtained.

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