- Description:
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This lecture introduces the neutron diffraction method as the method used in solid state physics research and the materials sciences. The basic principles of the nuclear and magnetic neutron scattering are given, as well as the comparative properties to the X-ray method. The basic concept of this method is illustrated by many practical examples.
- Contents:
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1. Introduction to the diffraction methods
2. Thermal neutrons, principles of scattering by atoms and crystals
3. Scattering amplitude b (nuclear) and p (magnetic)
4. Absorption, comparative properties of X-rays and neutrons
5. Fields of application in solid state physics and materials research
6. Experimental technique (diffractometers, resolution function, diffraction mode).
7. Experimental technique (research reactors, pulsed neutron sources, detectors).
8. Experimental technique(refrigenerator, pressure chambers, heaters, texture goniometers).
9. Experimental technique (computer control, data processing)
10. Rietveld analysis (code: RIET-N, GSAS, FULLPROF, RIETAN)
11. Structure analysis (zeolites, high temperature superconductors, ionic conductors).
12. Magnetic structure and magnetic transition characterisation (perivskites).
13. Quantitative texture analysis (code: TODF-N, popLA, GSAS).
14. Small angle scattering, inelastic scattering
- Recommended literature:
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Key references:
[1] G.E.Bacon: Neutron Diffraction, Clarendon Press, 1975.
[2] V.F.Sears: Neutron Optics, Oxford University Press, 1989.
Recommended references:
[3] R. A. Young: The Rietveld Method, IUCr, Oxford Science Publications, 1995.
[4] A. Furrer, J. Mesot, Th. Strassle: Neutron Scattering in Condensed Matter Physics, World Scientific Printers, London, 2009.
- Keywords:
- Diffraction methods, scattering and absorption of thermal neutrons, neutron powder diffractometry, materials research
Abbreviations used:
Semester:
- W ... winter semester (usually October - February)
- S ... spring semester (usually March - June)
- W,S ... both semesters
Mode of completion of the course:
- A ... Assessment (no grade is given to this course but credits are awarded. You will receive only P (Passed) of F (Failed) and number of credits)
- GA ... Graded Assessment (a grade is awarded for this course)
- EX ... Examination (a grade is awarded for this course)
- A, EX ... Examination (the award of Assessment is a precondition for taking the Examination in the given subject, a grade is awarded for this course)
Weekly load (hours per week):
- P ... lecture
- C ... seminar
- L ... laboratory
- R ... proseminar
- S ... seminar