VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Material Characterization by X-ray Techniques: Diffraction, Absorption, Total Scattering
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:39
Abstract
The determination of structure–property relationships in functional materials relies critically on structural characterization methods. This course introduces the basics of X-ray powder diffraction, pair distribution function (PDF) of X-ray total scattering and X-ray absorption spectroscopy analyses to determine the structure of inorganic functional materials.
Objective
Introduction basics of the structural characterization of materials using X-rays: covering the local and average structures. specifically: X-ray , -powder diffraction -total scattering and -absorption spectroscopy.
Content
The course outlines experimental techniques based on X-rays to investigate the atomic structure of materials covering the local- mid- and long-range order. It covers: 1- Review of fundamentals of materials science and the structure of solids. 2- Overview of the different characterization methods to investigate the structure of functional materials, spanning the local to long-range order structure. 3- X-ray powder diffraction. 4- X-ray total scattering and pair distribution function analysis. 5- X-ray absorption spectroscopy. 6- Practical sessions on X-ray powder diffraction and PDF experiments.
Resources
Literature
Literature will be given during the course.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 15
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Material Characterization by X-ray Techniques: Diffraction, Absorption, Total Scattering | No time listed | 3 h weekly |
Offered In
-
-
Core Courses (The Core Courses in the Master’s program Mechanical Engineering listed below are indicative and include courses designed by the Department at the Master's level. With the approval of the tutor, students may also select Master's-level courses offered by other departments at ETH. These courses will be marked as non-regular in the LAG, but their categorization as Core Courses is possible if included in the approved LAG.)
-
-
Doctorate Mechanical and Process Engineering (More Information at: )