Introductory description

X-ray and neutron diffraction and scattering techniques, as well as X-ray spectroscopies will be described. The course will cover the underlying theory of the experiments as well as practical aspects of recording data and their interpretation. The importance of X-ray and Neutron methods across science, in e.g., material chemistry, pharmaceuticals and proteins will be demonstrated.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Outline Syllabus:

1. Introduction: Scattering factors for X-ray and neutrons. Production of x-rays and neutrons. Types of facilities.

2. Diffraction: X-ray and Neutron.
   Material characterisation of systems with long range order. Topics might include: symmetry, form factor, structure factor in addition to texture and orientation; differences between X-ray and neutron cross section; powder diffraction, single crystal diffraction; thin film diffraction as well as PDF and protein crystallography. Possible extensions include resonance and incommensurate structures (magnetism, Jahn-Teller, structural domains). Also to include Particle size (Scherrer) and strain analysis (Williamson-Hall).

3. Grazing Incidence.
   Scattering around the origin of reciprocal space. Reflectivity, interfaces. Optical theorem (scattering from refractive index rather than crystal structures). Extension to include patterned arrays and nanostructures.

4. SAX/SANS: Extension of previous topics, but now looking at mesoscopic length scales. Contrast matching in SANS. Guinier and Porod plots.

5. Spectroscopy: Moving away from scattering to looking at core-hole excitations. Topics might include: XRF and GI-XRF; Elemental mapping and quantitative analysis of compositions; XAS (NEXAFS, EXAFS) and radial functions (materials characterisation on nearest neighbours); chemical/species analysis (states of oxides etc.). Possible extensions to include XPS and XMCD.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand the physical basis of X-ray and Neutron diffraction and scattering experiments and be familiar with the different analytical techniques involving those phenomena
• Appreciate the wide applicability of techniques involving X-ray and Neutron scattering and diffraction
• Be able to interpret experimental data from a range of techniques

Interdisciplinary

Cross-disciplinary techniques applicable in Chemistry, Engineering, Physics and other fields, co taught by Chemistry and Physics.

Subject specific skills

Understand the physical basis of diffraction, refractions and absorption experiments
Acquire familiarity with the range of techniques and the role of the different elements of instrumentation
Interpretation of experimental data
Use relevant databases and prediction programs
Appreciate the wide applicability of X-ray and Neutron techniques

Transferable skills

Problem solving and Critical thinking developed during data analysis workshops and follow-up assignments.
Literature review and Scientific Writing developed during Mock Beamtime Application assignment.