Need for further inelastic scattering measurements at X-ray energies

With recent improvements in both theory and experiment for scattering of X-rays from atoms, it is possible now to make a more quantitative comparison, and see whether agreement is being obtained within the much more stringent limits set by the present calculations and measurements. Comparing with present theory, measured whole atom Compton scattering cross sections in the photon energy range 11–40 keV using synchrotron X-ray sources demonstrate that a dramatic improvement in the precision of scattering measurements has been achieved. However, circumstances are also identified in which further experimental data is needed in order to test the adequacy of present theoretical approaches.