diffuse scattering

Diffuse scattering occurs when X-rays or other radiation hit a material with a disordered or imperfect internal structure, causing the scattered rays to spread out in many directions instead of a focused beam. Unlike sharp, well-defined spots (sharp diffraction), diffuse scattering appears as a soft, hazy background. It provides information about the material’s internal disorder, such as defects, vibrations, or irregular arrangements of atoms. In essence, diffuse scattering reveals the less organized aspects of a material's structure, helping scientists understand how the internal disorder affects its properties.