A customizable software for fast reduction and analysis of large X-ray scattering data sets: applications of the new package to small-angle X-ray scattering and grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering.

X-ray scattering experiments at synchrotron sources are characterized by large and constantly increasing amounts of data. The great number of files generated during a synchrotron experiment is often a limiting factor in the analysis of the data, since appropriate software is rarely available to perform fast and tailored data processing. Furthermore, it is often necessary to perform online data reduction and analysis during the experiment in order to interactively optimize experimental design.

Measuring the distribution of cellulose microfibril angles in primary cell walls by small angle X-ray scattering.

Background: X-ray scattering is a well-established method for measuring cellulose microfibril angles in secondary cell walls. However, little data is available on the much thinner primary cell walls. Here, we show that microfibril orientation distributions can be determined by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) even in primary cell walls.

In situ grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering investigation of polystyrene nanoparticle spray deposition onto silicon.

We investigated the spray deposition and subsequent self-assembly during drying of a polystyrene nanoparticle dispersion with in situ grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering at high time resolution. During the fast deposition of the dispersion and the subsequent evaporation of the solvent, different transient stages of nanoparticle assembly can be identified. In the first stage, the solvent starts to evaporate without ordering of the nanoparticles.

From atoms to layers: in situ gold cluster growth kinetics during sputter deposition.

The adjustment of size-dependent catalytic, electrical and optical properties of gold cluster assemblies is a very significant issue in modern applied nanotechnology. We present a real-time investigation of the growth kinetics of gold nanostructures from small nuclei to a complete gold layer during magnetron sputter deposition with high time resolution by means of in situ microbeam grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (μGISAXS). We specify the four-stage growth including their thresholds with sub-monolayer resolution and identify phase transitions monitored in Yoneda intensity as a material-specific characteristic.

Influence of nanoparticle surface functionalization on the thermal stability of colloidal polystyrene films.

The installation of large scale colloidal nanoparticle thin films is of great interest in sensor technology or data storage. Often, such devices are operated at elevated temperatures. In the present study, we investigate the effect of heat treatment on the structure of colloidal thin films of polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles in situ by using the combination of grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) and optical ellipsometry.

Evidence for an elementary process in bone plasticity with an activation enthalpy of 1 eV.

The molecular mechanisms for plastic deformation of bone tissue are not well understood. We analysed temperature and strain-rate dependence of the tensile deformation behaviour in fibrolamellar bone, using a technique originally developed for studying plastic deformation in metals. We show that, beyond the elastic regime, bone is highly strain-rate sensitive, with an activation volume of ca 0.