PRINSAS– a Windows-based computer program for the processing and interpretation of small-angle scattering data tailored to the analysis of sedimentary rocks

Abstract

PRINSASis a Windows program that takes as input raw (post-reduction) small-angle neutron and small-angle X-ray scattering (SANS and SAXS) data obtained from various worldwide facilities, displays the raw curves in interactive log–log plots, and allows processing of the raw curves. Separate raw SANS and ultra-small-angle neutron scattering (USANS) curves can be combined into complete scattering curves for an individual sample. The combined curves can be interpreted and information inferred about sample structure, using built-in functions. These have been tailored for geological samples and other porous media, and include the ability to obtain an arbitrary distribution of scatterer sizes, the corresponding specific surface area of scatterers, and porosity (when the scatterers are pores), assuming spherical scatterers. A fractal model may also be assumed and the fractal dimension obtained. A utility for calculating scattering length density from the component oxides is included in the program.