Abstract

The magnetic form factor determines the angular dependence of the magnetic-scattering amplitude of a neutron in an atom. Like the x-ray form factor, which describes the interference of electromagnetic waves inside the entire electron cloud of the atom, the neutron form factor describes the interference of a neutron wave in the outer electron shells, which have an uncompensated magnetic-moment density (spin density). This is responsible for the difference in the functional form of the magnetic and x-ray form factors. Figure 78 shows the two form factors (calculated for iron) together for comparison. As in other elements, the x-ray form factor of the atom falls off more slowly on reducing q (or the angle) than the neutron form factor.*

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