Department of Materials Science & Engineering
Module Description 2012/13
Module Code: MAT3810
Module Title: Analysis Techniques for Materials
Module Convenor: Professor N C Hyatt
Module Links: MAT6372
Credits: 10
Semester: 2
Pre-requisites: MAT2110 and MAT2320
Co-requisites:
Brief Description (including aims of the course):
This unit is designed to instil and advanced level of understanding of and exposure to the critical
characterisation equipment and techniques they may encounter in R+D within technologically
demanding industries. The content builds on parts of MAT2110 and MAT2310 where the students are
given a basic level of understanding in electron optics and X-ray diffraction. Here, they will be
introduced to Raman and Infrared spectroscopy, advanced X-ray and Neutron Diffraction, X-ray
Absorption and Fluorescence spectroscopy, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Mossbauer spectroscopy
Electron Spin Resonance and advanced imaging and analysis using modern electron microscopy
techniques. Examples of where these techniques may be successfully utilised are given for a broad
range of materials and the limitations of each technique will be discussed.
This unit aims to:
i)give the student a broad and deep knowledge of advanced characterisation techniques that they
may encounter in a technologically demanding industry or research laboratory;
ii)demonstrate these techniques on a broad range of samples illustrating to which class of materials
each is particularly suited;
iii)Demonstrate the limitations of these techniques in terms of the data generated and the sample
preparation required.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
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Demonstrate understanding of the principles and application of synchrotron radiation, synchrotron
and neutron diffraction techniques and X-ray absorption spectroscopy;
Demonstrate understanding of the principles of operation of NMR, Mössbauer and ESR
spectroscopies;
Demonstrate understanding of the principles, uses and limitations of selected electron microscopy
techniques applied to the characterisation of materials;
Understand recent advances in individual electron microscocpy techniques;
Demonstrate understanding of the sample requirements for selected electron microscopy;
Demonstrate understanding of the principles of Infrared and Raman spectroscopy.
Assessment:
Exam: 100%
Booklist (A) Core Test; (B) Secondary Text; (C) Peripheral Reading:
Synchrotron Radiation Research, ed. H. Winick and S. Doniach (Plenum Press, 1980).
Introduction to Synchrotron Radiation, G. Margaritondo (OUP, 1988).
Structural and chemical analysis of materials, J.P. Eberhart (Wiley, 1991).
H. Winick, Scientific American, 257 (1987) 88.