Ion beam based material analysis, 5 credits

RECOMMENDED PREREQUISITES

Basic Physics (mechanics, electrostatics, some basic quantum mechanics), basic mathematics, basic computer skill & data treatment.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to instruct interested students on the analytical potential of non-destructive ion beam-based material analysis. It will present and interactively explain the underlying fundamental physics necessary to enable the students to plan and perform experiments using energetic ion beams. Furthermore, the students are trained to make decisions on the applicability of the discussed methods for their own research problems. They also learn to analyze experimental data and relate it to results obtained by complementary experimental techniques.

LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR DOCTORAL DEGREE 

The course provides specific knowledge for researchers in need of materials analysis methods (addressing "methods and understanding"). The structure of the course, in particular lab-exercises where students are expected to bring samples from their own research projects, also addresses the upper points in the list on "Competence and skills" as students have to form an understanding of how the available methodology contributes to their specific research questions. Students are further expected to assess capabilities and limitations of the broad portfolio of methods discussed with respect to their own projects, as well as scientific advancement in general. As many common materials science techniques are introduced in the course, a broad overview of current technology is provided. Since the students, upon completing the course, also become classified as trained users of the Tandem Laboratory’s pelletron accelerator facility who can independently apply for beam time (for their own research and that of their peers), they are equipped to take responsibility for others.

COURSE CONTENTS

Fundamentals of ion-material interactions: interaction with target nuclei, interaction with target electrons; Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), Medium-energy ion scattering (MEIS), Elastic recoil detection analysis (ERDA), Particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE), microbeam applications, Nuclear reaction analysis (NRA), Software for evaluation of IBA experiments, Instrumentation for IBA experiments, RBS and ERDA laboratory exercises (preferably using samples from the course participants), exercises, short quizzes and presentations (assignments) of selected topics by the participants.

INSTRUCTION

Lectures with interactive moments, group-works on simulation programs with 3 teachers (2x2 hours), Lab-visit (2h), 2 half-3/4 day lab-exercises at the Tandem Accelerator laboratory.

ASSESSMENT

Lab reports, hand-in exercises.

COURSE EXAMINER

Daniel Primetzhofer, daniel.primetzhofer@physics.uu.se

DEPARTMENT WITH MAIN RESPONSIBILITY

Physics and Astronomy

CONTACT PERSON/S 

Daniel Primetzhofer, daniel.primetzhofer@physics.uu.se

APPLICATION

Submit the application for admission to: daniel.primetzhofer@physics.uu.se, petter.strom@physics.uu.se
Submit the application not later than: 31^st of December 2022