B2291 - X-RAY AND ELECTRONS FOR NANOSCALE ANALYSIS OF MATTER

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will learn the basic notions regarding the physical mechanisms of the interaction between X-rays and condensed matter in both a macroscopic and microscopic approach and the most important properties of synchrotron radiation sources, with emphasis on the underlying physics. Moreover, the student will learn the basics of the main experimental X-ray methods (such as X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and photoemission) and their recent application to current research topics.

Course contents

The objective of the course is to describe the physical mechanisms of the interaction between x-rays/electrons and matter; as well as the main experimental methods used in modern research in condensed matter physics and related areas such biophysics, medical physics, cultural heritage and environmental science.

Introduction to X-ray physics: semiclassical theory of the interaction between x-ray radiation and hydrogen-like atoms; electron-specimen interaction: elastic and inelastic scattering processes.

Synchrotron radiation and free electron laser sources. Electron sources and optics.

Experimental techniques: X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, electron microscopy and diffraction, electron energy loss spectroscopy.

Readings/Bibliography

Lectures presentations available online on Virtuale.unibo.it

Textbooks:

• “Synchrotron Radiation: Basics, Methods and Applications”, a cura di S. Mobilio, F. Boscherini e C. Meneghini, Springer (2015). Chapters: A. Balerna and S. Mobilio, Introduction to Synchrotron Radiation; P. Fornasini, Introduction to X-ray absorption spectroscopy; C. Mariani e G. Stefani, Photoemission Spectroscopy: fundamental aspects.
  
• S. Hüfner, Photoelectron Spectroscopy – Principles and Applications, 3rd ed. (Berlin, Springer, 2003)
• B.E. Warren, X-ray diffraction, Dover, New York, 1990.
• L. Reimer, H. Kohl; Transmission Electron Microscopy, Springer (2008)

Further sources:

• P. Fornasini, lezione X – ray absorption spectroscopy, reperibile sul sito www.synchrotron-radiation.it (Attività SILS/ scuola di Luce / Grado 2013).
• C. Meneghini, lezione The XANES Region, reperibile sul sito reperibile sul sito www.synchrotron-radiation.it (Attività SILS/ scuola di Luce / Grado 2013).
• B. Bunker, Introduction to XAFS: a practical guide to X-ray absorption spectroscopy, Cambridge University Press (2010).
• J. Als – Nielsen and D. McMorrow, Introduction to Modern X-ray Physics, Wiley, New York, 2001.
• D. Attwood, Soft X-rays and extreme ultraviolet radiation, Cambridge University Press (1999).
• R.F. Egerton, Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy in the Electron Microscope, Springer (2011)

Teaching methods

Lectures with powerpoint presentations, a copy of which is available on Virtuale.unibo.it

Assessment methods

Oral exam, in two parts. In the first part, each student will illustrate one of the experimental methods (student's choice), focussing on physics fundamentals, experimantal aspects, characteristics and examples. The second part will deal with the fundamental part of the course: properties of x-rays, synchrotron radiation soursces, interaction of x-rays with matter, interaction of electrons with matter

The exam must be booked via almaesami, 3 students every hour and a half slot, 12 students a day.

Teaching tools

Presentations. Slides are available to registered students on line

Office hours

See the website of Raffaello Mazzaro

See the website of Federico Boscherini

See the website of Francesco Borgatti