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.

This 2-volume set includes extensive discussions of scattering techniques (light, neutron and X-ray) and related fluctuation and grating techniques that are at the forefront of this field. Most of the scattering techniques are Fourier space techniques. Recent advances have seen the development of powerful direct imaging methods such as atomic force microscopy and scanning probe microscopy. In addition, techniques that can be used to manipulate soft matter on the nanometer scale are also in rapid development. These include the scanning probe microscopy technique mentioned above as well as optical and magnetic tweezers.

This book is devoted to a simple practical approach to neutron, X-ray and light scattering experiments, involving model calculation of the scattering and mathematical transformation. It is intended to attract colloid and polymer scientists using scattering methods in their laboratory or at common research facilities. The primary objective is to explain the current methodology of elastic and quasi-elastic scattering techniques (avoiding both under and over-exploitation of data) rather than a general course on colloids and polymers. Basic information on data interpretation, on the complementarity of the different types of radiation, as well as information on recent applications and developments are presented.

This book describes all aspects of the technique of small-angle scattering of X-rays and neutrons, including instrumentation, sample requirements, data interpretation and modelling methods, in a comprehensive way and gives examples of applications in various fields of biophysics and biochemistry.

Scattering experiments, using X-ray, light and neutron sources (in historical order) are key techniques for studying structure and dynamics in systems containing colliods, polymers, surfactants and biological macromolecules, summarized here as soft condensed matter. The education in this field in Europe is very heterogeneous and frequently inadequate, which severely limits an efficient use of these methods, especially at large-scale facilities. The series of "Bombannes" schools and the completely revised and updated second edition of the lecture notes are devoted to a practical approach to current methodology of static and dynamic techiques. Basic information on data interpretation, on the complementarity of the different types of radiation, as well as information on recent applications and developments is presented. The aim is to avoid over - as well as under-exploitation of data.

This book provides insight into the underlying basic theories and concepts in X-ray, light, and neutron scattering. The three scattering principles are systematically presented, together with a unified description based on elastic scattering of electromagnetic waves and the Schrödinger wave from matter. These explanations are presented with an introduction of their common Born approximation using a consistent set of symbols and terminology and with step-by-step derivations of equations. This book emphasizes the combined applications of these three scattering methods, wherever and whenever possible, as a very powerful methodology for characterization of internal structures of soft matters in the length scale ranging from subnanometers to a few 10 micron meters. These applications include explorations for evolution of hierarchically self-organized internal structures of a variety of soft matters, including cells, under diverse environmental conditions. This book will not only be an excellent resource for graduate students and academic researchers who analyze structures of soft matters and polymers, but it will also be useful for researchers in industries.

This book provides the basic theoretical background for X-ray and neutron scattering experiments. Since these techniques are increasingly being used by biologists and chemists, as well as physicists, the book is intended to be accessible to a broad spectrum of scientists.