Comparison of Parasitic Scattering from Window Materials used for Small-Angle X-ray Scattering: a Better Beryllium Window

The parasitic scattering of several materials used as windows in small-angle scattering experiments, including IF-1 beryllium, Kapton, Mylar, mica and glass has been measured over the q range 0.05–2.0 nm⁻¹ with Cu Kα radiation (q = 4πsinθ/λ, 2θ = scattering angle). Based on the criteria of high strength, high transmission and low parasitic scattering, the best material was found to be IF-1 beryllium.