Advanced Materials Analysis with Synchrotron Radiation: Techniques and Applications

The use of photons as primary excitation source offers a variety of tools, which prove invaluable for unraveling the physical and chemical properties of condensed matter and for elucidating the underlying physical processes at the atomic scale. This lecture course provides a comprehensive survey of a suite of experimental techniques that are based on the use of synchrotron radiation. Fundamental principles, modes of operation and basic instrumentation will be presented for each technique, and the potential and value will be illustrated by means of relevant and innovative applications to advanced materials analysis.

Topics: interaction of photons with matter; synchrotron radiation & technology; basic beam line instrumentation; X-ray diffraction & scattering techniques; X-ray absorption spectroscopy & soft X-ray magnetic dichroism; high-resolution photoelectron spectroscopy; photoelectron diffraction & X-ray standing waves; photoemission electron microscopy; spin-polarized techniques; time-resolved spectroscopies.

Throughout the lecture course, an interdisciplinary approach will be adopted, which focuses on phenomena at the crossroads among condensed matter physics, materials science, physical chemistry, surface and nanoscale science, catalysis and even biophysics.

The goal of this module is to give an overview on state-of-the-art experimental techniques that can be successfully exploited to study a wide range of functional systems relevant for materials science, condensed matter physics, nanoscience and physical chemistry.

After taking part in the course, the students will be able to:

1. understand the physics of synchrotron radiation, its generation and exploitation;
2. comprehend the basic principles, the potential and applicability of a number of synchrotron-based techniques that are well-suited to explore the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of advanced functional materials;
3. have an atomic scale view of exciting physical phenomena, which involve the aggregation of atoms and are intrinsically related to the quantum behaviour of electrons, their complex interactions and dynamics.

Moreover, as many of these techniques are of increasing importance for both academic and industrial research, the students will develop a valuable knowledge of experimental tools that will be useful in their future career.

There are no strict requirements, but a basic knowledge of quantum mechanics and solid state physics can be helpful.

Lecture, beamer presentation with slides, board work.

Discussion. Checklist of questions and exercises.

Visits to on-campus laboratories.

A guided visit to a European synchrotron radiation facility is possible at the end of the semester (end of June / beginning of July).

Class room presentation, lecture notes, exercise sheets, lab tours, supplementary literature.

Recommended textbooks:

1.  Philip Willmott: An Introduction to Synchrotron Radiation - Techniques and Applications (2011, Wiley)

2.  J. Als-Nielsen and D. McMorrow: Elements of Modern X-ray Physics (2010, Wiley).

In an oral exam the learning outcome is tested using comprehension questions and sample problems.

In accordance with §12 (8) APSO the exam can be done as a written test. In this case the time duration is 60 minutes.