Editing Neutron diffraction (section)

== Neutron matter interaction ==
X- rays interact with matter through electrostatic interaction by interacting with the electron cloud of atoms, this limits their application as they can be scattered strongly from electrons. While being neutral, neutrons primarily interact with matter through the short-range strong force with atomic nuclei. Nuclei are far smaller than the electron cloud, meaning most materials are transparent to neutrons and allow deeper penetration. The interaction between neutrons and nuclei is described by the [[Fermi pseudopotential]], that is, neutrons are well above their [[meson]] mass threshold, and thus can be treated effectively as point-like [[Scatterer|scatterers]]. While most elements have a low tendency to absorb neutrons, certain ones such as [[cadmium]] (Cd), [[gadolinium]] (Gd), [[helium]] (<sup>3</sup>He), [[lithium]] (<sup>6</sup>Li), and [[boron]] ( <sup>10</sup>B) exhibit strong neutron absorption due to nuclear resonance effects. The likelihood of absorption increases with neutron wavelength (''σ<sub>a</sub> ∝ λ''), meaning slower neutrons are absorbed more readily than faster ones.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Bucknall |first=David |date=2012 |title=Introduction to the Theory of Thermal Neutron Scattering, 3rd edn., by G.L. Squires: Scope: textbook. Level: early career researchers, researchers, specialists, scientists |url=http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00107514.2012.745613 |journal=Contemporary Physics |language=en |volume=53 |issue=6 |pages=544–545 |doi=10.1080/00107514.2012.745613 |bibcode=2012ConPh..53..544B |issn=0010-7514|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |title=Neutron data booklet |date=2003 |publisher=Old City |isbn=978-0-9704143-7-3 |editor-last=Dianoux |editor-first=A. J. |edition=2 |location=Institut Laue-Langevin Philadelphia, PA }}</ref>