Secrets of Scattering: Sample Selection

Edit: I forgot, there’s also an associated video here:

We get a steady stream of common and not-so-common samples from fellow researchers interested in finding out what scattering can do for them.

Normally, we then launch into “interrogation” mode to find out more on what the sample consists of (i.e. if it is suitable for measuring), and what the researcher would like to get out of the measurement (or, in other words, if we have a chance to obtain the information they are after).

Since there are many factors playing a role here, I thought I’d try to draw out some flow diagrams and make some explanatory videos to help researchers select and adapt their samples, and maybe find out beforehand if the scattering instrument they have in mind would be the most appropriate for their samples.

The first of these takes you through a sample selection flow-chart. Using this, you can find out if your samples are generally suitable for a particular scattering instrument, or if they can be adjusted to do this. The flow-chart itself is available for printing here:

Please feel free to leave questions in the comments!