X-Ray scattering study of ionic colloidal crystals

The scattering study of ionic colloidal crystals by using one- and two-dime nsional ultra-small-angle scattering techniques is reviewed with a special reference to dilute dispersions. Because of large lattice constants of coll oidal crystals, ultra-small angle regions need to be covered either by long distance optical systems combined with a synchrotron X-ray source or by ad opting the Bonse-Hart optics. The crystal structure, lattice constant, and crystal orientation can be precisely determined. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.