A model-independent maximum-entropy method for the inversion of small-angle X-ray diffraction patterns

A model-independent maximum-entropy method is presented which will produce a structural model from small-angle X-ray diffraction data of disordered systems using no other prior information. In this respect, it differs from conventional maximum-entropy methods which assume the form of scattering entities a priori. The method is demonstrated using a number of different simulated diffraction patterns, and applied to real data obtained from perfluorinated ionomer membranes, in particular Nafion™, and a liquid crystalline copolymer of 1,4-oxybenzoate and 2,6-oxynaphthoate (B-N).