The technique of RDF of nanovolumes using electron diffraction

Abstract

Amorphous materials are not, as the Greek etymology suggests, "without form". Indeed, as with crystalline materials, their structure determines their properties. The overwhelming number of structural studies of amorphous materials use the diffracted intensity to give the radial distribution function, which can be used as data against which to test, or refine, structural models. Neutron and X-ray diffraction examples abound. However, neutrons and X-rays are of no use when small volumes are involved. This paper reports the current state of RDF analysis of nanovolumes using electron diffraction. © 2010 IOP Publishing Ltd.