On the determination of partial structure functions in small-angle scattering exemplified by Al₈₉Ni₆La₅ alloy

A comparison between the resonant scattering curve obtained by anomalous small-angle X-ray scattering at the X-ray absorption edge of Ni and the complementary small-angle neutron scattering curve from an Al₈₉Ni₆La₅ alloy sample is reported. The sample does not comply with the two-phase approximation. The two resulting scattering curves are approximately proportional to each other in this particular case. The anomalous small-angle X-ray scattering resonant curve at the Ni absorption edge equals the Ni-Ni partial structure factor and, owing to the favourable neutron scattering lengths of Ni, La and Al, the neutron scattering curve is also proportional to that partial structure factor.