Diffuse Scattering of X-Rays by Conduction Electrons

A theoretical expression is obtained for the scattering of x-rays from a completely degenerate free electron gas. Both the classical and the Compton methods are used. The modifications introduced by the periodic potential of the lattice are examined. The scattering by the conduction electrons is found to decrease with the first power of the scattering angle. It is shown that the diffuse scattering by the core electrons decreases as the second power of the angle of scattering. Hence the scattering by the conduction electrons will dominate all other diffuse scattering at sufficiently small angles.