Absolute scattering cross-section

The absolute scattering is the scattering intensity given in correct absolute units (as opposed to relative unites); from this quantity one can make quantify certain values (amount of material, molecular weight, etc.).

The easiest way to obtain absolute scattering is to measure a known standard (glassy carbon, water, etc.). In small-angle scattering:

$I(q)=I_{0}\Omega te^{-\mu t}{\frac {\mathrm {d} \Sigma }{\mathrm {d} \Omega }}(q)$

Where:

• I(q) is the scattering intensity, in arbitrary units
• I_0 is the apparent source intensity (incident beam), in arbitrary units
• $\Omega$ is the solid angle subtended by detector
• t is sample thickness
• $\scriptstyle \mu$ is the linear absorption coefficient
• $\mathrm {d} \Sigma /\mathrm {d} \Omega$ is the differential scattering cross-section per unit volume per unit solid angle (units cm^−1</math>)

See Also

• J. Appl. Cryst. 1972, 5, 315-324.
• J. Appl. Cryst. 1983, 16, 473-478.
• Acta Metall. Mater. 1991, 39, 11, 2477-2487.