Edges of low-Z atoms can be used to test predictions of scattering,
attenuation and diffraction processes in matter, in the soft X-ray
regime. Here Cherenkov radiation studies agree with recent theory but
disagree with numerous other theoretical predictions and tabulations.
Form factors (as at the top of the X-ray optics home page) are used to determine the diffraction, scatttering and attenuation processes of light through matter. Within the X-ray regime it is an excellent approximation to talk about 'Atomic form factors' (neglecting chemical bonding and structure) and 'independent particle approximations' (treating each excitation as localized for a single electron). A result of this theory can make detailed and accurate predictions in physically interesting regimes of particular elements, such as the carbon K-edge illustrated here. This topic is closely linked to the experimental investigations of diffraction and attenuation.
Experimental measurement of attenuation and scattering in
matter
(See the introduction for the xray optics home page.)