Neutron Scattering

Skills
After the course, the optimal student will be able to:

• Apply the theory for some main types of scattering: diffraction, small-angle, spectroscopy
• Use standard programs for analysis of neutron/X-ray data
• Solve simple neutron-optical problems
• Use the ray-tracing package McStas to build virtual instruments and perform virtual experiments
• Plan and perform standard neutron experiments as a part of a group, including beam time planning and optimization, and maintaining a logbook
• Report on novel scientific work on a level that could form the basis of a publication
• Judge whether neutron scattering is an appropriate method for a given project

Knowledge
After the course, the optimal student will be able to:

• Understand the principles in neutron scattering and the strengths and weaknesses of the method
  Characterize main types of scattering: elastic/inelastic, coherent/incoherent, nuclear/magnetic
• Explain the principles for neutron instrument design for all types of experiments listed above
• Know the theory behind ray-tracing and Monte-Carlo simulations
• Have knowledge on radiation security (PSI security course will be passed as a part of this course)

Competences
This course will equip the students with the necessary skills for understanding and neutron scattering, a technique that has application for and can be utilized in fields outside physics.
The course will give the students thorough training in performing and analyzing Monte-Carlo simulations. 
The students will learn how to perform and report on experiments in a large-scale facility environment, and to perform teamwork on such a facility to obtain the best possible results under strict time constraints.