School on X-ray Imaging Techniques at the ESRF

A huge development of synchrotron radiation based X-ray imaging techniques (absorption, phase contrast, diffraction, fluorescence, …) occurred over the last few years. It rests on the association of the beam features with the new detectors and computers. It can be characterized using a few key words such as "three-dimensional", "high spatial resolution", "coherent beams", "in-situ", "real-time", and "combination of techniques".

The use of these techniques led to important scientific results in many areas of science, which include physical, medical, materials science and engineering subjects, but also new areas like geophysical, environmental, archaeological, paleontological and biological studies.

In addition X-ray Imaging is one of the five topics the ESRF identified for its Long Term Strategy, and the associated ESRF upgrade program. The evolution that is foreseen clearly goes towards improved spatial resolutions (a few 10 nm) that opens the field of sub-cell volumes studies, faster detection for in situ and real time investigations, and enhanced sensitivity to trace elements.

The purpose of the present free of charge two-day school on X-ray Imaging Techniques at the ESRF is to provide to the participants the necessary knowledge to get the most from X-ray Imaging at the ESRF. The lectures, given by ESRF experts, will introduce the basic principles of imaging techniques (microscopy, microtomography, analyser-based imaging, diffraction topography, coherent diffraction imaging, …) using synchrotron radiation, together with the elements to understand the contrast within the images, and examples illustrating the type of results that can be obtained by using these imaging techniques.

Programme