X-ray Diffraction applied to the study of polycrystalline materials: theory and practice

Lecturer: prof. Paolo Scardi

Timetable 2018

Duration: 36 hours (4,5 credits)

Programme: 

The course is addressed to students engaged a broad range of research activities, including materials science and technology, chemistry and physics, but also mechanics and micromechanics. Focus is on polycrystalline materials, in powder or bulk form. The first part of the course is a theoretical introduction, with elements of radiation-matter interaction, crystallography and reciprocal space, basic concepts of X-ray diffraction theory.   The second part is an introduction to laboratory practice; besides providing a few elements on experimental techniques and data processing, this second part is organized for groups of two students, each group focusing on a specific topic, to be selected according to interest of the students and available laboratory support.

The first part ends with a questionnaire to assess the student's preparation and understanding of the theoretical elements. Homework and a group report are required to pass the second part evaluation.

Suggested readings to better profit of this activity include any textbook on materials science and technology (a short course has been provided among the PhD activities offered to the students), basic concepts of general chemistry and physics, possibly solid state physics (not indispensable). Nice preliminary readings might be the books by D.B. Cullity and/or by B.E. Warren on X-ray Diffraction.

Interested students may contact the teacher to have copy of available textbooks.