PDF Analysis

The PDF (Pair Distribution Function) can extract information about interatomic distances and coordination numbers from scattering patterns independent of the crystallinity of the material.

The measurement for PDF analysis is called a Total Scattering Measurement because it uses not only diffraction peaks but also broad scattering intensity arising from the local structure (diffuse scattering), which is treated as background in powder XRD measurement, for analysis.

Data from total scattering measurements must be devised in such a way that extra scattering intensity from the instrument (parasitic scattering) is not included.

Total scattering intensity is the only required the information from the sample and container (or air scattering intensity) but is best to exclude any of the following components: parasitic scattering from the instrument, the background contamination due to X-ray fluorescence, etc.