Comparison of radiations for diffraction

Later chapters will deal with a more complete description of the diffraction process, but we now have enough to discuss the selection of radiations and techniques. If the structure factor and scattering strength of the radiation are high, the penetration is low and the rocking curve is broad. This is the case with electron radiation. For X-rays and even more for neutrons, the structure and absorption factors are small, penetration is high and rocking curves are narrow. These factors have three main consequences for X-rays and also for neutrons  

1 The techniques are normally non-destructive, since adequate penetration and coverage of industrial-scale samples is possible. 

2 The strain sensitivity is high, since narrow rocking curves are strongly influenced by small rotations caused by strains in the crystal. 

Rocking curve width degree arc second arc seconds 

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