Småvinkelröntgen

Småvinkelröntgen, often abbreviated as SAXS (Small-angle X-ray scattering), is a scientific technique used to study the structure of materials at the nanoscale, typically in the size range of 1 to 100 nanometers. It involves directing a beam of X-rays at a sample and observing the pattern of scattered X-rays at very small angles relative to the incident beam. These small-angle deviations are caused by density fluctuations within the material, such as the interfaces between different phases, the presence of pores, or the arrangement of large molecules like proteins or polymers.

The scattering pattern produced by SAXS is not a sharp image but rather a correlation function that provides information about the size, shape, and distribution of these nanoscale structures. By analyzing the intensity of the scattered X-rays as a function of the scattering angle, researchers can deduce average structural parameters. This makes SAXS a valuable tool for characterizing a wide range of materials, including polymers, colloids, biological macromolecules, porous materials, and nanostructured composites.

SAXS experiments are typically performed using synchrotron radiation sources, which provide highly intense and well-collimated X-ray beams, allowing for rapid data collection and the study of dilute or weakly scattering samples. The technique is non-destructive, meaning the sample can often be studied without damage, and it can be applied to samples in various states, including liquids, gels, powders, and solids. Its ability to probe structure in a statistically averaged manner makes it complementary to other high-resolution imaging techniques.