Simplified Polydispersion Analysis of Small-Angle Scattering Data

With polydisperse inhomogeneities, the analysis of small-angle scattering (SAS) data is possible by fitting the experimental data to theoretical models. Despite scientific software being available for this task, many scientists in different fields prefer other techniques for their investigations. With the simplified polydispersion analysis (SPA) presented here, it is possible to analyse the SAS data in a much simpler way. A straightforward interpolation of SAS data using any commercial software, requiring no advanced computational skills, allows the determination of the size distribution function (SDF) of the polydisperse inhomogeneities. Here, this innovative approach was tested against simulated SAS data of spherical inhomogeneities, as well as experimental data with excellent results. The results reported here offer new opportunities for many scientists to use the SAS technique to investigate polydisperse systems.

Automated summary

In this research, a simplified polydispersion analysis (SPA) method is proposed for analyzing small-angle scattering (SAS) data. By straightforward interpolation of SAS data, the size distribution function (SDF) of polydisperse inhomogeneities can be determined without advanced computational skills. The method is tested against simulated and experimental data with excellent results, offering new opportunities for scientists to investigate polydisperse systems using SAS technique.