A comparison of different Fourier transform procedures for analysis of diffraction data from noble gas fluids

Abstract

A comparison is made between the three principal methods for the analysis of neutron and x-ray diffraction data from noble gas fluids by direct Fourier transform. All three methods (standard Fourier transform, Lorch modification, and Soper–Barney modification) are used to analyze four different sets of diffraction data from noble gas fluids. The results are compared to the findings of a full-scale real-space structure determination, namely, Empirical Potential Structure Refinement. Conclusions are drawn on the relative merits of the three Fourier transform methods, what information can be reliably obtained using each method, and which method is most suitable for the analysis of different kinds of diffraction data. The mathematical validity of the Lorch method is critically analyzed.