Applications of X-ray and neutron scattering in biology, chemistry, and physics
Overall Course Objectives
Two of the world’s most powerful microscopes are placed in Lund; one is the X-ray facility MAX IV, which is already in use, and the other is the neutron facility European Spallation Source (ESS) which will start operation in 2025. The overall goal of this course is to get acquainted with this type of advanced microscopy techniques, how you apply these and how you get access to these types of large-scale international facilities. These facilities are widely used by universities and industry for advanced analysis of materials and devices. We will work with X-ray and neutron scattering on both soft and hard materials for applications in biology, chemistry, physics and related materials, energy, biomedical, and life science technologies. We will work with the basic experimental techniques: small-angle scattering, crystal and powder diffraction, inelastic scattering, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and imaging. We will get insights into multi-modal and multi-scale 3D imaging approaches by combining Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray imaging. The course is highly cross-disciplinary and involves participants from the whole Øresund region, which will give rich opportunities for networking.
See course description in Danish
Learning Objectives
- Explain the basic physical principles for X-ray and neutron scattering
- Explain the basic experimental methods used at large-scale X-ray and neutron facilities
- Describe elastic, inelastic, coherent and incoherent scattering processes
- Explain absorption processes for X-rays and neutrons
- Apply scattering techniques to soft and hard materials
- Contribute to experiments at large-scale X-ray and neutron facilities
- Explain multi-modal 3D imaging approaches from applications of Magnetic Resonance Imaging to X-ray imaging techniques
- Perform simple data analysis on data from large-scale X-ray and neutron facilities
- Prepare an application for beam time at a large-scale X-ray and neutron facility
Course Content
Introduction to large-scale facilities as synchrotrons and spallation sources for X-ray and neutron production. The principles of X-ray and neutron scattering. Soft and hard materials in relation to scattering. Reflectometry. Small-angle scattering. Crystal and powder diffraction. X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Inelasting scattering. Imaging incl. structural MRI scanning and data analysis. Tour of MAX IV and ESS and visit to Hvidovre Hospital. Writing a beamtime application.
Teaching Method
Lectures, computer exercises with theory and data analysis, laboratory exercises.
Safety in the lab is part of the course.
Faculty
Limited number of seats
Minimum: 10, Maximum: 24.
Please be aware that this course has a minimum requirement for the number of participants needed, in order for it to be held. If these requirements are not met, then the course will not be held. Furthermore, there is a limited number of seats available. If there are too many applicants, a pool will be created for the remainder of the qualified applicants, and they will be selected at random. You will be informed 8 days before the start of the course, whether you have been allocated a spot.