Terms of Reference

The Commission on Neutron Diffraction was established at the Moscow General Assembly in 1966. The proposal at that time is given below.

• Satisfactory detection of light atoms (particularly hydrogen)
• The detection and description of magnetic architecture
• The study of crystal dynamics from inelastic scattering data

It is considered that there are several ways in which these aims can be directly advanced and that there is a substantial need for action at the present time in these various directions.

• Tabulation and critical evaluation of data on the neutron scattering amplitudes of elements and isotopes, including complex scattering amplitudes, and of magnetic form factors.
• Collection of information and recommendations on technical procedures.
• Cataloguing of information on reactor types, neutron flux, background, instrumentation, methods of data collection and handling.
• Encouragement of monographs, e.g. on Shubnikov groups, and their application to the determination of magnetic structures.
• Support for symposia, in particular to ensure that the various aspects of neutron diffraction techniques get adequate coverage in meetings of the International Union of Crystallography.