Experimental considerations in measurements of diffuse scattering

A brief review is given of the Borie-Sparks method of measuring and separating the diffuse scattering in alloys due to local displacements of atoms from lattice sites. Experimental techniques are reviewed with particular emphasis on simple computer controls, dead time, monochromators and specimens. After this, sources of error in the measurements are discussed and simple methods for assessing these errors presented. Equations for estimating higher-order terms than those included by Borie and Sparks are presented. It now appears that a thorough analysis of the errors needs to be made for each measurement prior to its publication. As this kind of experiment is readily automated and easily analyzed for errors with modern computers, this should now become standard procedure. It is also suggested that intensities in electron units be kept on file and made available when requested, as is done with structure factors.