smallangled

Smallangled refers to a specific type of scattering experiment where the scattering angle is very small, typically less than a few degrees. These experiments are often used to probe the structure of materials at larger length scales, ranging from nanometers to micrometers. The technique is particularly useful for studying phenomena such as phase transitions, aggregation of particles, and the morphology of thin films.

The principle behind small-angle scattering, often abbreviated as SAS, is that larger structures scatter radiation at very small angles. Depending on the type of radiation used, this can be referred to as Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) or Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS). Both SAXS and SANS are non-destructive techniques that provide information about the size, shape, and distribution of inhomogeneities within a sample.

In a typical small-angle scattering experiment, a beam of X-rays or neutrons is directed at a sample. The scattered radiation is detected over a range of small angles. By analyzing the intensity of the scattered radiation as a function of the scattering angle, researchers can deduce information about the sample's microstructure. This information is often presented as a scattering curve, which can then be modeled using various theoretical approaches to extract quantitative data about the sample's features. Small-angle scattering is a versatile tool employed across various scientific disciplines, including materials science, polymer physics, biology, and chemistry.