Development of the atomic pair-distribution function analysis by synchrotron X-ray

Yoneda, Yasuhiro   

Atomic pair-distribution function (PDF) analysis are the method which visualizes the structure from a short- to middle-range order. It has been applied to amorphous materials and liquids in the past. It could also be used now for the crystallized materials by using a synchrotron X-ray and a pulsed neutron facilities. There is some deviation between the average structure obtained by the traditional crystal structure analysis, and the local structure caused by the domain configuration in ferroelectrics, magnetic materials, hydrogen-storage materials, etc. The PDF analysis is attracted as the method bridging the local and the average structure. The outline of development of research technique and applications are reviewed about the PDF analysis using synchrotron X-ray.