This lecture is intended for people who want to become independent self-user of the small or wide angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) instrument in the MRL X-Ray Lab. SAXS describes the analysis of any sample that has nanostructured (1-100nm) electron density fluctuations -- i.e., nanoparticles in solution, block co-polymers, ionic liquids, soft matter, etc. Typically nanoscale electron density variations arise as structured (nanoscale object in a lattice), unstructured (in solution), or oriented (fiber or affixed to substrate) therefore treatment of each type of sample is on a case by case basis.
Students must also attend SAXSLAB instrument specific training course to learn how to put the knowledge obtained in the lecture to practice.
This lecture will survey the fundamentals of small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), focusing on the bare essentials required to productively collect and analyze SAXS data. In addition to theory, this lecture will cover practical considerations such as common sources of error and a guide to structural interpretation and justification using SAXS patterns.