SAXS
Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) is a technique available at most synchrotron research centers, and a well established method to study the shape and spatial organization of nano objects with sizes ranging from 1 to 100 nm.
Some of the most popular applications are :
- Colloids, liquid crystals and gels
- Semi-crystalline polymers and blends
- Biological macromolecules and assemblies in physiological or near physiological conditions
- Inorganic nano-particles and nano-porous materials
Combined SAXS/WAXS (wide-angle x-ray scattering) is also a powerful technique used to determine the microstructure and phase behavior of multi-component systems involved in cosmetics, detergents, pharmaceuticals, polymers, and other materials of industrial interest.
There are classical books available for download that provide a first contact with SAXS basic theory, techniques and applications:
- Small Angle X-ray Scattering (O. Glatter and O. Kratky Eds., Academic Press, 1982)
- Structure Analysis by Small-Angle X-Ray and Neutron Scattering (L. A. Feigin and D. I. Svergun, Plenum Press / Springer, 1987)
