Scattering profile

There are many different data analysis schemes to estimate the structure and molecular parameters of polymers from the neutron scattering data. Herein, we will present several connnon methods for characterizing the scattering profiles, depending only on the applicable q range. These methods, which were derived based on different assumptions, have... 

The quantitative analysis of the scattering profile in the high q range can be made by using the approach of Debye et aJ as in equation (B 1.9.52). As we assume tiiat the correlation fiinction y(r) has a simple exponential fomi y(r) = exp(-r/a ), where is the correlation length), the scattered intensity can be expressed as... 

A procedure commonly used to extract dynamic data directly from experimental incoherent neutron scattering profiles is described in Ref. 17. It is assumed that the atomic position vectors can be decomposed into two contributions, one due to diffusive motion, fi /t), and the other from vibrations, Uijt), i.e.. 

Neutron diffraction is one of the most widely used techniques for the study of liquid structure. In the experiment, neutrons are elastically scattered off the nuclei in the sample and are detected at different scattering angles, typically 3° to 40°, for the purpose of measuring intermolecular structure whilst minimizing inelasticity corrections. The resultant scattering profile is then analyzed to provide structural information. 

Figure 10.10 Scattering profiles of a PSA/PVME (20/80) blend driven by irradiation with light of wavelength (a) 365 nm and (b) 297 nm.

The observed maxima in the SAXS scattering profiles result from regular (or partially regular) fluctuations of the electron density within the TEOS-PTMO materials. Such maxima in SAXS profiles are typically observed in systems which exhibit microphase separation. The distance or "correlation length" that... 

Elastic and quasi-elastic (NSE) neutron scattering experiments were performed on dilute solutions of linear poly(isoprene) (PIP) polymers and of PIP stars (f = 4,12,18) [150]. In all cases the protonated polymers were dissolved in d-benzene and measured at T = 323 K, where benzene is a good solvent. Figure 50 shows the results of the static scattering profile in a scaled Kratky representation. In this plot the radii of gyration, obtained from a fit of the... 

We will limit ourselves to reviewing recent SAXS and SANS studies of putatively fully unfolded states formed at equilibrium. We direct readers interested in partially folded states (kinetic and equilibrium molten globules and their brethren) to a number of excellent recent articles and reviews (Kataoka and Goto, 1996 Kataoka et al., 1997 Uversky etal., 1998 Pollack et al., 1999 Doniach, 2001). Similarly, we will not discuss in detail the technical aspects of scattering studies or the precise interpretation of scattering profiles, but instead direct the reader to the appropriate resources (Glatter and Kratky, 1982 Doniach et al., 1995 Kataoka and Goto, 1996 Doniach, 2001). 

The cold-denatured state clearly has residual structure in that it is collapsed and exhibits a fairly globular Kratky scattering profile. Truncated, equilibrium unfolded states appear similarly compact (and have been shown by other spectroscopic means to have structure). But what of the highly expanded, urea, GuHCl, or thermally denatured states ... 

The geometric properties of highly denatured states appear to be consistent with those expected for a random-coil polymer. For example, proteins unfolded at high temperatures or in high concentrations of denaturant invariably produce Kratky scattering profiles exhibiting the monotonic increase indicative of an expanded, coil-like conformation (Fig. 1) (Hagihara et al., 1998 see also Doniach et al., 1995). Consistent... 

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