For characterizing nanostructures embedded in a metallic matrix, a newly designed intermediate-angle neutron scattering (iANS: "irons") instrument has been developed that shortens the distance between the sample and detector and is combined with a time-of-flight (TOF) technique. Since the momentum transfer (Q) resolution can be relaxed to provide an optimum Q-range when we focus on characterizing nanoscale heterogeneity, a much higher neutron flux can be utilized for the measurements than those available in a conventional small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) instrument. Consequently, iANS gives sufficiently high quality profiles for quantitative analysis on an absolute unit scale even using a compact accelerator driven neutron source (CANS). The results obtained at the Hokkaido University Neutron Source (HUNS) are compared to those obtained in large facilities. Some results obtained by iANS, are compared to those obtained by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) with respect to SAXS/SANS contrast variation.