Model-independent analysis of inelastic-neutron-scattering data at high momentum transfer

Abstract

A model-independent procedure is proposed which allows us to obtain the asymptotic scaling function at infinite momentum transfer and a comprehensive assessment of deviations of deep inelastic-neutron-scattering data from a perfect scaling behavior, which are due to the finite values of energy and momentum transfers to the target atom. The procedure is applied to simulated and experimental data on polycrystalline ZrH{sub 2} at {ital T}=20 and 290 K. We observe that the impulse approximation, valid for infinite energy and momentum transfers, is not yet completely reached at the finite momentum transfer values {ital q} of neutron experiments even at {ital q}{approx_equal}60 {ital A}{sup {minus}1}. It is argued that, beyond the specific case of ZrH{sub 2}, this procedure can be used for the description of deep inelastic-neutron scattering from other molecular and atomic systems. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}