Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS)

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is a technique that measures the intensities of X-rays scattered by a sample as a function of the scattering angle. Measurements are made in transmission geometry, at small angles, typically in the range of 0.1 deg to 5 deg, and with an intense X-ray beam due to the comparatively weaker scattering signal. Small Angle X-ray Scattering can be performed on nanoparticle dispersions, solids, films, fibres, gels or pastes and can provide information such as:

• Particle size, agglomeration and size distribution of particles (eg. nanoparticles in solids, gels and liquids)
• The orientation, size and size distribution of periodical structures (eg. crystal lamellae)
• Identification of biological macromolecules based on their crystal structures

Dimensions on the order of 1 nm up to 100 nm can be investigated using our SAXS instrument and service.