Total scattering and pair distribution functions

The concepts of total scattering and pair distribution functions are often thought of separately from typical diffraction analysis. However, the relationship between these concepts is fundamental and important. This presentation develops the interrelationship between diffraction, scattering, and atomic structure to provide an aid to conceptual understanding of how real and reciprocal space are related. We hope that this will help new practitioners to more effectively get the benefits of both tools into their characterization tool box.