High-resolution inelastic x-ray scattering to study the high-frequency atomic dynamics of disordered systems

The use of momentum-resolved inelastic x-ray scattering with meV energy resolution to study the high-frequency atomic dynamics in disordered systems is here reviewed. The typical realization of this experiment is described together with some common models used to interpret the measured spectra and to extract parameters of interest for the investigation of disordered systems. With the help of some selected examples, the present status of the field is discussed. Particular attention is given to those results which are still open for discussion or controversial, and which will require further development of the technique to be fully solved. Such an instrumental development seems nowadays possible at the light of recently proposed schemes for advanced inelastic x-ray scattering spectrometers. To cite this article: G. Monaco, C. R. Physique 9 (2008).