Pronunciation: [sˈaksz] (IPA) 
SAXS is an acronym for Small-Angle X-ray Scattering. The phonetic transcription of the word SAXS is /sæks/. The letter "S" in this word is pronounced as the voiceless alveolar sibilant /s/, which has a hissing sound. The vowel "A" is pronounced as the short, front, low-mid vowel /æ/, which is a sound commonly found in words like "bat" and "cat". The letter "X" in the word SAXS is pronounced as the voiceless velar fricative /ks/.
SAXS, an acronym for Small-Angle X-ray Scattering, refers to a versatile analytical technique used to investigate the structure and morphology of materials at the nanoscale. It involves the scattering of X-rays by a sample, specifically focusing on the scattering patterns produced by the interaction of X-rays with the sample's internal structure.
In SAXS, a monochromatic beam of X-rays is directed at the sample, which typically consists of disordered or partially ordered materials such as polymers, colloids, biological macromolecules, or nanoparticle suspensions. As the X-rays encounter the sample's atomic and molecular arrangement, they are scattered in various directions. The technique primarily focuses on the scattering angle range of 0.1 to 10 degrees, where the scattering is predominantly in the forward direction.
By carefully analyzing the intensity and distribution of scattered X-rays, information regarding the size, shape, and spatial arrangement of nanoscale structures within the sample can be determined. SAXS is particularly useful for investigating systems that possess small, repetitive structures on the order of a few nanometers to several hundred nanometers.
The data collected from SAXS experiments can provide valuable insights into a wide range of scientific disciplines, including materials science, physics, chemistry, and biology. By studying the SAXS patterns and employing advanced mathematical models, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the nanostructure of materials, helping in the development of new materials, drugs, or improving the properties of existing ones.
