Experimental Methods in Condensed Matter Physics

Year
1
Academic year
2023-2024
Code
02003397
Subject Area
Physics
Language of Instruction
Portuguese
Other Languages of Instruction
English
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face
Duration
SEMESTRIAL
ECTS Credits
6.0
Type
Elective
Level
2nd Cycle Studies - Mestrado

Recommended Prerequisites

Basic knowledge in Condensed Matter Physics.

Teaching Methods

The different topics will be presented in seminars covering the variety of analytical techniques. Learning will take place mostly in the laboratory, where the students will perform a set of practical work assignments. Most of the work will take place at TAIL - UC (Trace Analysis and Imaging Laboratory of the University of Coimbra), hosted at the Physics department, where most of the analytical techniques are available and at other laboratories of the UC Physics and Chemistry departments.

Learning Outcomes

This curricular unit aims at providing the students with a number of technical skills for the characterisation of materials, including those related to sample preparation and the most common analytical techniques in Condensed Matter Physics reserch (materials characterisation with regard to structure, microstructure, electric, optical and magnetic properties). Learning of such skills will take place in the context of research laboratories.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Techniques for structural analysis: X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron and neutron diffraction by single crystals and polycristalline materials. Small-angle scattering (SAXS). Analysis of microstructure, textures and residual stresses.
Spectroscopic techniques: VIS/UV, IR and Raman spectroscopies.
Nuclear methods: Mossbauer and muon spectroscopies. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).
Thermometric methods: DSC, DTA and DTG. Measurement of specific heat.
Techniques for elementar and trace analysis: Xray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), mass spectroscopy and EDS.
Imaging techniques: electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), atomic force and  scanning tunnel microscopies  (AFM/STM).
Characterisation of electric transport properties and magnetism: DC and AC resistivity, magnetoresistance, Hall effect, magnetometry.

Head Lecturer(s)

Maria Benilde Faria de Oliveira e Costa

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Laboratory work or Field work: 100.0%

Bibliography

Elements of Modern X-Ray Physics, J. Als-Nielsen, D. McMorrow, Wiley. ISBN: 0470973943

Modern electronic instrumentation and measurement techniques, Albert D. Helfrick, William D. Cooper, ISBN: 0135932947

Practical guide to ICP-MS: a tutorial for beginners, Robert Thomas, ISBN: 1466555432

Infrared Spectroscopy, fundamentals and applications, Barbara Stuart, ISBN 9780470854280

X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and related techniques; an introduction, Eva Margui, Rene Van Grieken, ISBN: 9781606503911

Introduction to X-ray powder diffractometry, Ron Jenkins, Robert Snyder, ISBN: 0471513393

Atomic force microscopy, Peter Eaton, Paul West, ISBN: 9780199570454

The handbook of cryogenic engineering, J.G. Weisend, ISBN: 1560323329

Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis, Joseph Goldstein, Dale E. Newbury, David C. Joy and Charles E. Lyman, ISBN-10: 0306472929.