Coherent to Compton scattering intensity ratios: A review

This study presents a comprehensive review of coherent to Compton scattering intensity ratios reported in the literature from 1961 to 2024. Organized chronologically, it compiles findings from approximately 100 publications. Coherent to Compton scattering intensity ratios have been applied across diverse fields. Notably, most studies employ this ratio for qualitative and quantitative analyses and for determining the effective atomic number. Numerous investigations have also measured these ratios for individual elements and compounds. The coherent to Compton scattering technique is an X-ray-based method used to analyze materials by comparing the intensities of two types of scattered radiation (coherent and incoherent). By measuring the intensity ratio of these two scattering processes at a fixed angle, researchers can determine properties such as the effective atomic number or chemical composition of a sample. This non-destructive technique is especially useful for distinguishing between materials with similar densities or atomic numbers. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd