In this method, the incident beam is totally externally reflected from
a surface or substrate, followed by small-angle scattering of the ref
racted (evanescent) beam by the surface region. As one example, GISAXS
can provide size information on islands associated with film growth.
The technique is described, along with examples from studies of Au on
glass, and InAs on silicon. In contrast to TEM this technique is nonde
structive, can be done in situ, provides excellent sampling, does not
necessarily require synchrotron radiation, and is not limited to thin
or conducting substrates.