X-ray and Neutron scattering (FYS620)

Introduction to X-ray and Neutron scattering. The course covers the basic physical principles underlying the interaction of X-ray and neutrons with matter, as well as the physics behind standard experimental techniques used to understand the structure and dynamical processes in matter.


Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.

See course description and exam/assesment information for this semester (2024-2025)
Facts

Course code

FYS620

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Spring

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Spring

Language of instruction

English

Offered by
Time table

View course schedule

Content

NB! This is an elective course and may be cancelled if fewer than 10 students are enrolled by January 20th for the spring semester.

  1. Review of Atomic and Crystalline Structure of Matter

  2. X-ray and Neutrons: Wave and Particle Descriptions

  3. Scattering Theory

  4. Absorption and scattering processes: elastic and inelastic

  5. X-ray - Matter interaction

  6. Neutron - Matter interactions

  7. Diffraction

  8. Introduction to spectroscopy

  9. Synchrotron and Neutron Instrumentation

Learning outcome

After completing the course, the student will be able to explain various types of interactions between x-ray/neutrons and matter. Characterize main types of scattering: elastic / inelastic, coherent / incoherent, nuclear / magnetic, apply the theory of basic principles in diffraction and spectroscopy. Be able to calculate structural factors for simple systems.  Be able to explain fundamental characteristics of synchrotron radiation as well as various types of experimental methods associated with the use of neutrons and synchrotron radiation. Determine whether neutron scattering or X-ray scattering is a suitable experimental technique for a given project. Explain the structure of instruments for the different types of experiments.

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Recommended prerequisites

FYS300 Electromagnetism and Special Relativity, FYS320 Quantum Mechanics, FYS340 Statistical Physics

Exam

Oral exam and report

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Oral exam 8/10 30 Minutes Letter grades None permitted
Report 2/10 Letter grades

Coursework requirements

Attendance at lab training

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Diana Lucia Quintero Castro

Head of Department:

Bjørn Henrik Auestad

Method of work

4 hours lectures and 2 hours exercises per week.1 laboratory practice

Open for

Admission to Single Courses at the Faculty of Science and Technology
Mathematics and Physics - Master of Science Degree Programme Mathematics and Physics - Five Year Integrated Master's Degree Programme

Admission requirements

Must meet the admission requirements of one of the study programmes the course is open for.

Course assessment

The faculty decides whether early dialogue should be conducted in all or selected groups of courses offered by the faculty. The purpose is to gather feedback from students for making changes and adjustments to the course during the current semester. In addition, a digital evaluation, students’ course evaluation, must be conducted at least once every three years. Its purpose is to collect students` experiences with the course.

Literature

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