Comparison of parasitic scattering from window materials used for small-angle X-ray scattering: A better beryllium window

The parasitic scattering of several materials used as windows in small-angle scattering experiments, including IF-1 beryllium, Kapton, Mylar, mica and glass has been measured over the q range 0.05-2.0 nm(-1) with Cu K alpha radiation (q = 4 pi sin theta/lambda, 2 theta = scattering angle). Based on the criteria of high strength, high transmission and low parasitic scattering, the best material was found to be IF-1 beryllium.