Neutron Compton scattering

Abstract

Neutron Compton scattering measurements have the potential to provide direct information about atomic momentum distributions and adiabatic energy surfaces in condensed matter. First applied to measuring the condensate fraction in superfluid helium, the technique has recently been extended to study a variety of classical and quantum liquids and solids. This article reviews the theoretical background for the interpretation of neutron Compton scattering, with emphasis on studies of solids.