Magnetic X-ray scattering

Elastic and inelastic X-ray scattering methods can both be applied to the study of magnetic structure and magnetisation density. Their viability depends upon the highly polarised nature of the synchrotron radiation source as much as its inherent brightness and tuneability. Diffraction techniques have been used most effectively to study antiferromagnets; inelastic (Compton) scattering is complementary in that it is applicable to ferromagnets. Both methods have the capability to differentiate between the orbital and spin contributions to magnetisation. Examples of their application to studies of magnetism are given.