X-ray magnetic scattering

The magnetic scattering of synchrotron X-rays has been developed to the point where it is now a standard technique for the study of magnetism and magnetic materials, often complementing neutron investigations of magnetic structures. In this article, after a brief historical introduction, examples of experiments on lanthanide and actinide antiferromagnets are presented. X-ray diffraction and Compton scattering studies of ferromagnets are then considered. Finally future prospects and possibilities are discussed.