Irena, a tool suite for analysis of both X-ray and neutron small-angle scattering (SAS) data within the commercial Igor Pro application, brings together a comprehensive suite of tools useful for investigations in materials science, physics, chemistry, polymer science and other fields. In addition to Guinier and Porod fits, the suite combines a variety of advanced SAS data evaluation tools for the modeling of size distribution in the dilute limit using maximum entropy and other methods, dilute limit small-angle scattering from multiple noninteracting populations of scatterers, the pair-distance distribution function, a unified fit, the Debye-Bueche model, the reflectivity (X-ray and neutron) using Parratt's formalism, and small-angle diffraction. There are also a number of support tools, such as a data import/export tool supporting a broad sampling of common data formats, a data modification tool, a presentation-quality graphics tool optimized for small-angle scattering data, and a neutron and X-ray scattering contrast calculator. These tools are brought together into one suite with consistent interfaces and functionality. The suite allows robust automated note recording and saving of parameters during export.

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The design and operation of a new small‐angle X‐ray scattering instrument, optimized for high throughput at a synchrotron source, high angular and wavelength resolution, large sample cross‐sectional area, accurate energy tuning, excellent signal‐to‐noise ratio and harmonic rejection are presented. The principles of design and implementation are given, as are the details of primary calibration of absolute intensity and experimental desmearing. The instrument has been tested for application to anomalous‐scattering measurements near the chromium K edge. Preliminary results on samples of a heat‐treated steel are presented as a demonstration of the capability of this experiment to separate the microstructure evolution as a function of temperature of a chromium‐rich precipitate from the thermal behavior of other precipitates in the steel.

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