F

Comparison of X-rays with neutrons

The relationship given in Eq. (3.1) between the refractive index, n, and the scattering length density
ρr0 can be derived in a different way when considering neutrons entering a material. Here the material
is viewed as a continuum of nuclei, each having the scattering length b, and with a density of ρ.
An incident particle that experiences a potential V(r) from the material will be scattered. The
scattering length b of a particle is related to the scattering potential V(r) in first-order perturbation
theory by !
~2
V(Q) = 4π b
2mn
Here V(Q) is the Fourier transform of the scattering potential:
Z
V(Q) = V(r) ei Q·r dr

and as usual Q = k − k′ is the wavevector transfer in the scattering process. This relation appears
plausible when it is recalled that
(a) there is a phase difference of Q · r between the scattering from volume elements around the origin
and around r;
(b) the scattering can be thought of as a weighted superposition of the scattering from such volume
elements, the weight being V(r) times the phase factor;
(c) the dimensionality in the equation relating b and V(Q) is correct, i.e. the term (~2 /2mn ) occurs
naturally.
Of course, the factor of 4π must rely on a more rigorous treatment.
Fermi suggested that one could define a pseudo-potential between thermal neutrons and nuclei in
such a way that this general first-order perturbation result would reproduce the correct scattering length.
The nuclear scattering of neutrons is due to a short range potential between the neutron and the nucleus.
The range of the potential is extremely short (of order 10−15 m) in comparison with the wavelength of

Elements of Modern X-ray Physics, Second Edition. Jens Als-Nielsen and Des McMorrow
© 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Published 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
372 Comparison of X-rays with neutrons

thermal neutrons (of order 10−10 m) so the shape of the potential is well approximated by a Dirac delta
function allowing us to write
VF (r) = C δ(r)
so that
VF (Q) = C × 1
since the Fourier transform of a Dirac delta function is unity. (The properties of the Dirac delta function
are reviewed in Chapter 5 on page 152.) Equating this expression for VF (Q) with the general one given
above for V(Q) allows us to identify the constant C and to write
!
~2
VF (r) = 4π b δ(r)
2mn

In refraction, the medium is considered to be a homogeneous continuum, and the change in wavenum-
ber from k outside to nk inside the medium is due to a corresponding change in kinetic energy from
(~2 /2mn )k2 to (~2 /2mn )(nk)2. Energy conservation then immediately leads to
! !
~2 2 ~2
k = (nk)2 + hVi
2mn 2mn
or !
2 2mn2
k − (nk) = hVi
~2
Inserting the average potential
R !
V
VF (r) dr ~2
hVi = R = 4π bρ
dr 2mn
V

yields
k2 (1 − n2 ) = 4π bρ
and since (1 − n2 ) = (1 + n)(1 − n) ≈ 2δ we obtain Eq. (3.2) with the neutron scattering length b
substituting for the X-ray scattering length r0 .

Further reading
Introduction to the Theory of Thermal Neutron Scattering, G.L. Squires (Dover Publications,
1996)
Neutron Optics, V.F. Sears (Oxford University Press, 1989)