Small Angle Scattering

Small-angle scattering of X rays and neutrons is a widely used diffraction method for studying the structure of matter. This method of elastic scattering is used in various branches of science and technology, includ ing condensed matter physics, molecular biology and biophysics, polymer science, and metallurgy. Many small-angle scattering studies are of value for pure science and practical applications. It is well known that the most general and informative method for investigating the spatial structure of matter is based on wave-diffraction phenomena. In diffraction experiments a primary beam of radiation influences a studied object, and the scattering pattern is analyzed. In principle, this analysis allows one to obtain information on the structure of a substance with a spatial resolution determined by the wavelength of the radiation. Diffraction methods are used for studying matter on all scales, from elementary particles to macro-objects. The use of X rays, neutrons, and electron beams, with wavelengths of about 1 A, permits the study of the condensed state of matter, solids and liquids, down to atomic resolution. Determination of the atomic structure of crystals, i.e., the arrangement of atoms in a unit cell, is an important example of this line of investigation.

This book provides a clear, comprehensible and up-to-date description of how Small Angle Scattering (SAS) can help structural biology researchers. SAS is an efficient technique that offers structural information on how biological macromolecules behave in solution. SAS provides distinct and complementary data for integrative structural biology approaches in combination with other widely used probes, such as X-ray crystallography, Nuclear magnetic resonance, Mass spectrometry and Cryo-electron Microscopy. The development of brilliant synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) beam lines has increased the number of researchers interested in solution scattering. SAS is especially useful for studying conformational changes in proteins, highly flexible proteins, and intrinsically disordered proteins. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) with neutron contrast variation is ideally suited for studying multi-component assemblies as well as membrane proteins that are stabilized in surfactant micelles or vesicles. SAS is also used for studying dynamic processes of protein fibrillation in amyloid diseases, and pharmaceutical drug delivery. The combination with size-exclusion chromatography further increases the range of SAS applications. The book is written by leading experts in solution SAS methodologies. The principles and theoretical background of various SAS techniques are included, along with practical aspects that range from sample preparation to data presentation for publication. Topics covered include techniques for improving data quality and analysis, as well as different scientific applications of SAS. With abundant illustrations and practical tips, we hope the clear explanations of the principles and the reviews on the latest progresses will serve as a guide through all aspects of biological solution SAS. The scope of this book is particularly relevant for structural biology researchers who are new to SAS. Advanced users of the technique will find it helpful for exploring the diversity of solution SAS methods and applications. Chapter 3 of this book is available open access under a CC BY 4.0 license at link.springer.com.

This book addresses the basic physical phenomenon of small-angle scattering (SAS) of neutrons, x-rays or light from complex hierarchical nano- and micro-structures. The emphasis is on developing theoretical models for the material structure containing self-similar or fractal clusters. Within the suggested framework, key approaches for extracting structural information from experimental scattering data are investigated and presented in detail. The range of parameters which can be obtained pave the road towards a better understanding of the correlations between geometrical and various physical properties (electrical, magnetic, mechanical, optical, dynamical, transport etc.) in fractal nano- and micro-materials.

Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Study Institute, Como, Italy, May 12--22, 1993

to the Fundamental and Applied Catalysis Series Catalysis is important academically and industrially. It plays an essential role in the manufacture of a wide range of products, from gasoline and plastics to fertilizers and herbicides, which would otherwise be unobtainable or prohibitive ly expensive. There are few chemical-or oil-based material items in modern society that do not depend in some way on a catalytic stage in their manufacture. Apart from manufacturing processes, catalysis is finding other important and over-increasing uses; for example, successful applications of catalysis in the control ofpollution and its use in environmental control are certain to in crease in the future. The commercial import an ce of catalysis and the diverse intellectual challenges of catalytic phenomena have stimulated study by a broad spectrum of scientists including chemists, physicists, chemical engineers, and material scientists. Increasing research activity over the years has brought deeper levels of understanding, and these have been associated with a continually growing amount of published material. As recentlyas sixty years ago, Rideal and Taylor could still treat the subject comprehensively in a single volume, but by the 19 50s Emmett required six volumes, and no conventional multivolume text could now cover the whole of catalysis in any depth.

SMALL-ANGLE SCATTERING A comprehensive and timely volume covering contemporary research, practical techniques, and theoretical approaches to SAXS and SANS Small-Angle Scattering: Theory, Instrumentation, Data, and Applications provides authoritative coverage of both small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and grazing incidence small-angle scattering (GISAS) including GISAXS and GISANS. This single-volume resource offers readers an up-to-date view of the state of the field, including the theoretical foundations, experimental methods, and practical applications of small-angle scattering (SAS) techniques including laboratory and synchrotron SAXS and reactor/spallation SANS. Organized into six chapters, the text first describes basic theory, instrumentation, and data analysis. The following chapters contain in-depth discussion on various applications of SAXS and SANS and GISAXS and GISANS, and on specific techniques for investigating structure and order in soft materials, biomolecules, and inorganic and magnetic materials. Author Ian Hamley draws from his more than thirty years’ experience working with many systems, instruments, and types of small-angle scattering experiments across most European facilities to present the most complete introduction to the field available. This book: Presents uniquely broad coverage of practical and theoretical approaches to SAXS and SANS Includes practical information on instrumentation and data analysis Offers useful examples and an accessible and concise presentation of topics Covers new developments in the techniques of SAXS and SANS, including GISAXS and GISANS Small-Angle Scattering: Theory, Instrumentation, Data, and Applications is a valuable source of detailed information for researchers and postgraduate students in the field, as well as other researchers using X-ray and neutron scattering to investigate soft materials, other nanostructured materials and biomolecules such as proteins.

Small angle solution scattering is now often applied to biological problems. When applied in appropriate circumstances with carefully structured questions, the technique can provide unique information not available from other techniques. This book offers understanding of the experiments with a simple and intuitive approach to the underlying theory.

Small-angle scattering (SAS) is the premier technique for the characterization of disordered nanoscale particle ensembles. SAS is produced by the particle as a whole and does not depend in any way on the internal crystal structure of the particle. Since the first applications of X-ray scattering in the 1930s, SAS has developed into a standard method in the field of materials science. SAS is a non-destructive method and can be directly applied for solid and liquid samples. Particle and Particle Systems Characterization: Small-Angle Scattering (SAS) Applications is geared to any scientist who might want to apply SAS to study tightly packed particle ensembles using elements of stochastic geometry. After completing the book, the reader should be able to demonstrate detailed knowledge of the application of SAS for the characterization of physical and chemical materials.