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

Lecture Slides, available on Virtuale.it

Textbooks for further knowledge:

• “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)

Additional 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 the aid of presentations, available on Virtuale.unibo.it

Assessment methods

The final exam is designed to assess the student's understanding of the course content and their grasp of the key topics covered. The exam will be oral and will consist of two main parts:

• a presentation by the student on a selected topic related to an analytical technique, chosen from a list provided by the instructor;

• follow-up questions on the fundamentals of photon–matter or electron–matter interaction, as well as on the sources used in the related techniques.

The evaluation will take into account:

• clarity and precision in exposition,

• mastery of the content and the ability to make connections between topics,

• the correct use of technical and scientific language.

Evaluation Criteria

• Excellent (28–30 cum laude): broad and in-depth knowledge, clear and well-structured presentation, precise scientific language, excellent reasoning and synthesis skills.

• Good – Fair (24–27): correct knowledge, though partly memorized or mechanical; reasonably clear exposition with some inaccuracies; generally appropriate use of technical language.

• Sufficient (18–23): basic but fragmented understanding of key topics; unclear or hesitant exposition; limited or imprecise use of technical terms; weak reasoning skills.

• Fail (<18): significant gaps in knowledge, unclear or incoherent exposition, inappropriate technical language, lack of conceptual understanding and reasoning ability.

Teaching tools

Presentations and recorded lectures available on Virtuale.unibo.it.

Interactive teaching tools (Wooclap, Flipped Classroom).

 

Students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) or temporary/permanent disabilities are advised to contact the University Office responsible in a timely manner (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ). The office will be responsible for proposing any necessary accommodations to the students concerned. These accommodations must be submitted to the instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance, and will be evaluated in light of the learning objectives of the course.

Office hours

See the website of Raffaello Mazzaro

See the website of Francesco Borgatti