Journal of Applied Crystallography

Volume 34, Part 2 (April 2001)

research papers

J. Appl. Cryst. (2001). 34, 172-177 [ doi:10.1107/S0021889800019993 ]

A comparison of various commonly used correlation functions for describing total scattering

D. A. Keen

Abstract: Total scattering, an increasingly important crystallographic research area, is defined theoretically in terms of correlation functions. Different researchers use different definitions for these functions, frequently leading to confusion in the literature. Here, a consistent set of equations for total-scattering correlation functions are developed and explicitly compared with other, often encountered, definitions. It is hoped that this will lead to increased transparency for newcomers to the field of total scattering.

Keywords: total scattering; correlation functions.