HSC9: Scattering and Imaging Studies of Soft Matter Microstructure using Synchrotron Radiation and Neutrons

Hercules Specialised Courses - HSC9

Scattering and imaging are complementary methods for characterizing the behavior of complex systems in a wide range of relevant length- and timescales. The availability of intense neutron and synchrotron radiation has broadened the applications of scattering and imaging techniques to play a unique role in soft-condensed matter including biological matter science. Typically, the systems of interest show only partial order on length scales that are much larger than those of a single molecule. The dynamic properties are often very complex and characterized by several relatively slow processes. Examples include colloidal nanoparticles, polymers, elastomers, fibers, liquid crystals, foams, gels, glasses, micellar structures, emulsions and practically all biological materials. The aim of this course is to provide young soft matter scientists with an overview of the relevant scattering and imaging techniques available at synchrotron and neutron facilities, through a combination of technical information, scientific presentations, and practical courses.