The high-frequency atomic dynamics of disordered systems studied by high-resolution inelastic x-ray scattering

Abstract

The use of momentum-resolved inelastic X-ray scattering with meV energy resolution to study the high-frequency atomic dynamics in disordered systems is here reviewed. The typical realization of this experiment is described and some simple models are presented that are used to interpret themeasured spectra and to extract parameters of interest for the investigation of disordered systems.With the help of some selected examples, the present status of the field is discussed, with particular reference to the vibrational dynamics in glasses, and to the high-frequency relaxations in liquids.