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Materials Research Using Synchrotron Radiation
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:25:16
Abstract
The course gives an introduction to the use of synchrotron radiation in materials science. It treats the generation of intense x-ray beams at synchrotron radiation sources and their use for the characterisation of materials properties at different length scales.
Objective
A comprehensive understanding of the interaction of x-rays with condensed matter and their use in materials analysis.
Content
Interaction of x-rays with matter: Elastic scattering from bound electron, atom and assemblies of atoms; Compton scattering; principles of diffraction from crystals and scattering from disordered systems; thermal diffuse scattering, small-angle scattering from nanometre-sized objects; X-ray absorption spectroscopy; comparison with neutron scattering, where appropriate. The generation of high-brilliance x-ray beams at synchrotron radiation sources: Undulators, wigglers and bending magnets; comparison with conventional lab sources; the future x-ray free electron laser. Instrumentation: Monochromator; diffractometer; detector. Determination of materials properties: Crystal structure; defects and strain fields; structure of surfaces and interfaces; chemical bonding properties. New methods Coherent x-ray scattering: phase contrast imaging, holography, photon correlation spectroscopy.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Reader will be available
Literature
J. Als-Nielsen and D. McMorrow: Elements of Modern X-Ray Physics, Wiley, 2001.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Materials Research Using Synchrotron Radiation |
|
2 h weekly |
| exercise | Materials Research Using Synchrotron Radiation |
|
1 h weekly |