Comparison of iterative desmearing procedures for one-dimensional small-angle scattering data

Two simple iterative desmearing procedures - the Lake algorithm and the Van Cittert method - have been investigated by introducing different convergence criteria using both synthetic and experimental small-angle neutron scattering data. Implementing appropriate convergence criteria resulted in stable and reliable solutions in correcting resolution errors originating from instrumental smearing, i.e. finite collimation and polychromaticity of the incident beam. Deviations at small momentum transfer for concentrated ensembles of spheres encountered in earlier studies are not observed. Amplification of statistical errors can be reduced by applying a noise filter after desmearing. In most cases investigated, the modified Lake algorithm yields better results with a significantly smaller number of iterations and is, therefore, suitable for automated desmearing of large numbers of data sets.