PHY435 Introducing photons, neutrons and muons for condensed matter physics and materials science

The aim of the course is that the students acquire a basic understanding on the interaction of photons, neutrons and muons with matter. Also we will see how one can use these as tools to solve specific problems. The students will also visit different experiments in the large-scale facilities of PSI (Swiss Light Source, Swiss Spallation Neutron Source and Swiss Muon Source).

The course runs for one week. It takes place at the campus of the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI).

The morning consists of introductory lectures on the use of photons, neutrons and muons for materials characterization. The afternoon consists of work groups with active participation of the students including visiting the experiments at three large-scale facilities. The afternoon group work deepens the concepts learned in the morning.

The course is given in English. 

General description

• Interaction of photons, neutrons and muons with matter
• Production of photons, neutrons and muons
• Experimental setups: optics and detectors
• Crystal symmetry, Bragg’s law, reciprocal lattice, structure factors
• Elastic and inelastic scattering with neutrons and photons
• X-ray absorption spectroscopy, x-ray magnetic circular dichroism
• Polarized neutron scattering for the study of magnetic materials
• Imaging techniques using x-rays and neutrons
• Introduction to muon spin rotation, relaxation
• Applications of muon spin rotation for condensed matter

• Information at PSI (Please register at UZH *and* through this link)

Hubertus Luetkens
Paul Scherrer Institut
5232 Villigen PSI