COURSE DESCRIPTION: The course presents short description of theoretical background and chosen applications of the four main methods based on four different processes of neutron scattering by the molecular systems: 1) elastic coherent neutron scattering, 2) inelastic coherent neutron scattering, 3) elastic (or quasielastic) incoherent neutron scattering and 4) inelastic incoherent neutron scattering. The first one is common used for the crystal structure identification and the second gives precise information about the phonon dispersion relation curves in the crystal lattice. Both these methods can be used successfully only for deuterated compounds. Third method informs us about the dynamical reorientational disorder of molecules and the fourth about the frequency distribution function of vibrations and phonons in the crystal lattice. Both these last methods are very useful for the compounds containing hydrogen atoms. All these methods are especially preferable for the compounds containing the hydrogen bonds systems.

OBJECTIVE OF THE COURSE:
The aims of this unit are:

• To form an understanding of physical background of neutron scattering by molecules
• To develop the competence of students in application of neutron scattering methods
• To highlight modern advances in instrumentation and techniques used in neutron spectroscopy and their specific applications to monitor molecular structure and dynamic of the compounds, especially containing hydrogen (deuterium) atoms
• To identify appropriate neutron spectroscopic methods and experimental procedures for particular scientific applications

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES:

After completing this unit students should be able to cope with

• Critically evaluate applicability of specific spectroscopic techniques to solve particular structural or molecular dynamic problems
• Interpretation the results of spectral data and presentation of the conclusions in written and oral form
• Explaining to non-specialists how different neutron scattering methods can provide valuable information in chemistry, physics, biology, medical and environmental sciences

TEACHING AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

Student centred learning: 60 hours (45 minutes each)

LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION: English

RECOMMENDED READING:

1. Vibrational Spectroscopy with Neutrons with Applications in Chemistry Biology, Materials Science and Catalysis, Philip C. H. Mitchell, Stewart F. Parker, Anibal J. Ramirez-Cuesta & John Tomkinson, Series on Neutron Techniques and Applications, vol. 3 (2005)
2. Neutron and X-ray Spectroscopy, Edited by: F. Hippert, E. Geissler J.L. Hodeau, E. Lelievre-Berna, J. Regnard, Springer 2006
3. Neutron Data Booklet, Editors: A. Dianoux, G. Lander, ILL Neutrons for Science, second edition, 2003.

RECOMMENDED WEBSITES:

http://neutron.neutron-eu.net/
http://www.ill.fr
http://nfdfn.jinr.ru/
http://www.jinr.ru/
http://www.ncnr.nist.gov/
http://www.lanl.gov/
http://www.sns.gov
http://www.aps.anl.gov/
http://www.ansto.gov.au/
http://www.neutron.anl.gov/software.html

SCHEDULE AND LEARNING METHOD:

ECNS

ASSESSMENT:

Oral examination on 2 topics (60%); oral presentation of one topic (15%) and practical evaluation (25%)

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