Studies of monolayers using synchrotron X-ray diffraction

Diffraction of synchrotron X-rays is a powerful tool for studies of monolayers. In recent years, the emphasis of such studies has moved from physisorbed monolayers of rare gases or small molecules, to more extended molecules physisorbed or chemisorbed on liquid and solid surfaces. Diffraction studies of self-assembled and Langmuir films, successfully performed only during the past ten years, have dramatically increased our understanding of these scientifically and technologically important monolayer systems.