The SAXS and SANS techniques are widely applied to the structural characterization of materials at the nanometer scale. We here report quantitative analyses of the published literature related to these techniques and to relevant features of the International SAS Conferences. A total number of 42,048 articles related to SAXS and SANS were retrieved. The annual total number of published articles related to SAXS exhibits a fast and persistent growth from 1990 until 2018 while those referring to SANS remained essentially constant along the past two decades. Furthermore, the number of citations of articles published by authors from the USA and from some European countries (Germany, France, UK) are significantly higher than those published by authors from other countries. The persistent increase in the number of published articles related to SAXS around the world and particularly in Brazil is well correlated with the also increasing number of open synchrotron sources.

Laser treatment technologies have been widely used to modify superficial layers of different materials. In this work we prepare Nb and Cr rich coatings according to laser alloying technique using cast iron as substrate material. Nb and Cr are intensive used in order to overcome challenges like good chemical and mechanical performance at high temperatures. Following laser alloying the surface-modified samples were submitted to an "in situ" XRD analysis under controlled high temperature and atmosphere. The phase transitions registered point to transformations that do not implies formation of fragile phases or cracks induced by high volumes modifications.

The synchroton radiation source constructed at LNLS is composed of a 1.37 GeV electron storage ring and a 120 MeV LINAC injector. Seven beamlines are in the final phase of commissioning and will be opened to external users during the second semester of 1997. These beamlines allow for experiments of VUV and X-ray spectroscopies and X-ray diffraction and scattering. A number of experimental results were already obtained using the beamlines which are currently in operation. X-ray absorption spectroscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering results, associated with a metal (pure Ni) and a biological sample (collagen), respectively, are described. The perspectives and user access policy for the utilization of the LNLS synchrotron radiation source are reported.