röntgenszórás

Röntgenszórás, also known as X-ray scattering, is a powerful analytical technique used to investigate the atomic and molecular structure of materials. It involves directing a beam of X-rays at a sample and observing how the X-rays are deflected or scattered by the electrons within the atoms of the material. The pattern of the scattered X-rays provides information about the arrangement of atoms and molecules, including their spacing, orientation, and crystalline structure.

There are several types of X-ray scattering, each suited for different applications. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is used to study larger structures, typically on the nanometer to micrometer scale, such as polymers, colloids, and biological macromolecules. Wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), on the other hand, is employed to determine the atomic-scale structure of crystalline materials, providing detailed information about lattice parameters and crystal phases. X-ray diffraction (XRD) is a specific form of WAXS where the scattered X-rays exhibit a regular, ordered pattern due to the periodic arrangement of atoms in a crystal lattice.

The analysis of the scattering pattern involves mathematical techniques to reconstruct the electron density distribution within the sample. This allows researchers to determine properties like particle size, shape, surface area, and the presence of defects. Röntgenszórás is a non-destructive technique, meaning the sample is typically unharmed by the X-ray beam, allowing for further analysis. It is widely applied in fields such as materials science, chemistry, physics, biology, and pharmaceuticals for characterizing powders, thin films, proteins, and nanoparticles.