X-ray Pair Distribution Function (PDF)

X-ray atomic pair distribution function (PDF) is an X-ray scattering technique that can be used to study the local structure of materials at the atomic scale. The technique requires scattering data to be collected to very high scattering angles using high energy powder diffraction coupled with Fourier transform to produce the PDF data. 

Diamond has two current beamlines capable of performing this type of experiment and is currently designing a new dedicated PDF beamline. The advantage of using of synchrotron X-rays:

• high count rates to give good statistics
• high energies to provide high scattering angles
• controlled environmental condition for in situ PDF studies

In recent years PDF analysis has provided crucial information for many strategically important materials including:

• amorphous materials and glasses
• nano materials
• pharmaceuticals
• mesoporous materials/catalysts
• energy storage materials

Please click on the link above to download detailed technical information. For any additional information, or to request a hard copy of any information, please contact us.