Derivation of the radial distribution function from experimental Compton profiles

The analysis of experimental Compton profiles in position rather than momentum space provides a useful method of interpreting Compton data. A density matrix approach is employed to establish the relationship between the Compton profile J(p), and the Fourier transform of the momentum density B(r), and, for a homogeneous system, the radial distribution function g(r). An earlier Compton profile measurement on sodium provides the data for a demonstration of the long range charge correlations in a metal, in analogy with the Friedel oscillations in a screening charge.