Course content

i) Structure: Structure representation in solid state physics with main focus on crystallography: Elementary introduction. Point and space groups. International Tables for Crystallography. Elementary introduction group theory related to crystallography.

ii) Diffraction: Kinematic theory for electron, neutron and x-ray diffraction. Deviations from ideal kinematic diffraction, for example because of size or shape. Analysis of ordered materials in polycrystalline and monocrystalline form. Determination of crystal structures. Partially ordered materials. Structure determination, materials without long-range order Nano- and microstructures.

iii) Spectroscopy: Emission and absorption spectroscopy techniques based on matter - X-ray and electron beam interactions for electron band structure analysis.

iv) Imaging: Electron microscopy (SEM, TEM) and X-ray microscopy. 3D imaging

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The candidate should gain knowledge of:

• Symmetry in crystallography as used in point groups and space groups
• Fourier techniques and the convolution theorem for describing and analysis of (partially) crystalline materials.
• Diffraction-based structural analysis of materials using electron, X-ray and neutron radiation and the complementary of these different probes.
• Principles of spectroscopy techniques in X-ray and electron beam set-ups.
• Principles behind imaging in electron microscopy (SEM/TEM) and X-ray imaging.

Skills

The candidate should be able to:

• Use of the International Tables for Crystallography and link basic group theory to crystallography.
• Do kinematical diffraction calculations of spatial and temporal correlations from materials of varying degree of order.
• Explain deviations between kinematical calculated and observed intensities.
• Analyze variations in diffraction intensity for deducing structural material characteristics in real space.
• Make the connection between diffraction and imaging.

General competence

The candidate should be able to:

• See the role of advanced characterization techniques (Diffraction, spectroscopy and imaging) in solid state physics, nanotechnology and materials science.
• Perform hands on experiments, including data analysis and report writing, of scattering experiments on materials.
• Judge the feasibility of using the covered experimental techniques to address structure-related problems in a wide range of organic and inorganic material classes.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, calculation exercises, and laboratory exercises. The course will be given in English if students on an international master program or non-norwegian PhDs are attending the course. Lecture material and exam are in English.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

TFY4220 Solid State Physics or equivalent.

Course materials

Will be specified at the beginning of the course.

Credit reductions