Neutron and X-ray Scattering of Quantum Materials (EPFL)

Abstract

Neutron and X-ray scattering are some of the most powerful and versatile experimental methods to study the structure and dynamics of materials on the atomic scale. This course covers basic theory, instrumentation and scientific applications of these experimental methods.

Objective

By the end of the course, the student must be able to: - Plan, predict and interpret neutron scattering experiments - Read and evaluate articles containing neutron scattering results

Content

Neutron scattering is one of the most powerful and versatile experimental methods to study the structure and dynamics of materials on the nanometer scale. Its application spans from crystaline matter to bio-materials and engineering, including fields like magnetism and superconductivity. Similar to the vast possibilities with X-rays at synchrotron facilities, neutron scattering is a so-called large scale facility technique with neutron facilities among other at PSI in Switzerland, ILL in Grenoble and a new joint European Spallation Source under construction in Sweden. The course provides an introduction to the versatile experimental techniques of neutron scattering and covers the following aspects: 1. Theory of the neutron scattering cross section 2. Neutron sources and neutron instrumentation 3. Neutron imaging, neutron reflectivity and neutron small angle scattering 4. Neutron diffraction, crystal structures 5. Inelastic neutron scattering, phonons 6. Magnetic neutron scattering, magnetic structures 7. Inelastic magnetic neutron scattering, magnetic dynamics 8. Resonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering (RIXS) a complementary technique The course contain lectures and exercise sessions. Exercise sessions will contain deriving relevant formulas, monte-carlo simulation of neutron scattering experiments, and discussion of representative scientific articles using neutron scattering. We use partially flip-class room format for interactive learning.

Resources