Abstract
We discuss the relative use of neutrons and X-rays as scattering tools to probe the magnetic properties of materials. Neutron diffraction experiments continue to be the most appropriate tool to determine the magnetic structure of bulk solids. Synchrotron X-ray experiments are and will be used to investigate selectively the magnetic behaviour of different chemical species and/or electronic shells in magnetic systems. There exist some grey areas where the two probes can be used depending on the scientific problem under investigation. In particular, neutrons allow very accurate measurements of magnetic form factors, but X-rays provide a separation of the orbital momentum contribution to magnetisation. Comparisons between X-rays and neutrons studies of magnetism at surfaces are presented. Finally, one can anticipate that only inelastic neutron scattering experiments will allow the observation of magnetic excitations across the whole Brillouin zone.
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