Bredvinkelröntgenspridning

Bredvinkelröntgenspridning, often abbreviated as WAXS from the English Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering, is a technique used in materials science and chemistry to study the structure of materials at the atomic and molecular level. It involves directing a beam of X-rays at a sample and measuring the intensity of the scattered X-rays as a function of the scattering angle. The patterns generated provide information about the arrangement of atoms and molecules within the material, particularly concerning short-range order and crystalline structures.

Unlike small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), which probes larger structures like nanoparticles or polymer chains, WAXS focuses on the fine details of atomic spacing. The scattering angles in WAXS are typically larger, corresponding to interatomic distances. The resulting scattering pattern, often presented as a plot of intensity versus scattering vector (q), exhibits peaks and shoulders that are characteristic of the material's crystal lattice or the local ordering of amorphous materials. Analyzing the positions and shapes of these features allows researchers to determine crystallographic parameters, identify phases, and understand the degree of crystallinity. WAXS is a non-destructive technique and can be applied to a wide range of solid and liquid samples. It is a valuable tool for characterizing polymers, metals, ceramics, and other crystalline or semi-crystalline materials, providing insights into their mechanical properties, thermal behavior, and performance.