The Method of total scattering and atomic pair-distribution function analysis

Yoneda, Yasuhiro   

Atomic pair-distribution function (PDF) analysis is 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. The 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 structures. In particular, the outline of development of research technique and applications are reviewed about the PDF analysis using synchrotron X-ray.