Compton Scattering as a Technique for the Study of Solids

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Abstract
Starting with an historical account of the emergence of the Compton effect, the review summarizes the essential features of the processes involved in Compton scattering and outlines the theory required to interpret Compton profiles in terms of the momentum density, momentum wavefunctions and position wavefunctions. In this connection the essentials of the impulse approximation and the convenient concept of the reciprocal form factor are explained. Experimental procedures for the determination of Compton profiles using y-ray, X-ray and electron sources are briefly described and so also is positron annihilation. The advantages and insights afforded by Compton profile measurements in the study of electronic properties are illustrated by reference to a range of materials including elemental and several binary solids. Future prospects, especially in solid-state chemistry where Compton scattering could prove advantageous, are briefly outlined.