Advanced Methods in Materials Physics (FYS903)

The course covers the physical principles underlying advanced experimental techniques used to understand the structure and dynamical processes in matter.


Course description for study year 2024-2025

Facts

Course code

FYS903

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Spring, Autumn

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Spring, Autumn

Language of instruction

English

Content

The course consists of two modules chosen each year, depending on the composition of the PhD student body, among the following 4:

Module 1 (5 ECTS): Spectroscopy with Photons and Neutrons

Scattering theory THz spectroscopy Raman scatteringXray scattering Neutron scattering

Module 2 (5 ECTS): Synchrotron radiation

The physics of synchrotron radiation Generation, storage, enhancement and utilization of synchrotron radiation Synchrotron storage facilities and insertion devices Optical elements (including diffraction-theory) and conditioning of the synchrotron beam

Module 3 (5 ECTS): Crystallography

Crystal systemsPoint groupsSymmetry elementsSpace groupsdiffraction

Module 4 (5 ECTS): Electron Microscopy

TEMSEM

Literature: Als-Nielsen & McMorrow, Willmott, Squires, Weller-Young

Learning outcome

After completing the course, the student will be able to determine a suitable experimental technique for a given research question and calculate expected results of standard experiments. As well as:

Module 1: After completing the module, the students will be able to explain various types of interaction of photons/neutrons with matter. Understand the difference between main types of photon and neutron scattering: elastic / inelastic, coherent / incoherent, nuclear / magnetic. Understand the fundamentals of various spectroscopic techniques. Associate various ranges of electromagnetic spectrum and neutron energies with properties of matter and choose an appropriate range/technique for a particular type of analysis. Explain experimental geometry of various spectroscopic set-ups.

Module 2: After completing this module, the student should have sufficient knowledge about the physics of synchrotron radiation and the corresponding optical elements to understand their impact on a particular experiment. She or he should thus be able to make qualified decisions concerning the design, optimalization, conduction, and possible modification of the experiment.

Module 3: After completing this module, the student should be able to handle and use concepts such symmetry, space groups, Bragg´s law and the phase problem. Apply the theory of basic principles in diffraction and be able to calculate structural factors. The student should be able to read, understand and judge publications which are based on crystallography.

Module 4: After completing this module, the student should have a comprehensive understanding of the working principle of TEM and SEM. Describe aberrations and astigmatism in electromagnetic lenses. Have an extensive understanding of signals and their utilization. Know basic principle for interpretation of experimental data from SEM and TEM. Perform an evaluate analyses of SEM and TEM in a project

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Recommended prerequisites

FYS300 Electromagnetism and Special Relativity, FYS320 Quantum Mechanics, FYS540 Solid State Physics, FYS620 X-ray and Neutron scattering

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Oral exam 1/1 Passed / Not Passed

Course teacher(s)

Course teacher:

Gøran Nilsen

Course teacher:

Olena Zavorotynska

Course coordinator:

Diana Lucia Quintero Castro

Course teacher:

Helge Bøvik Larsen

Course teacher:

Vidar Folke Hansen

Method of work

Lectures, seminars, guided reading, tutorials and lab demonstrations

Open for

Single Course Admission to PhD-courses Technology and Natural Science - PhD programme

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital subject evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

Search for literature in Leganto