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Synchrotrons and X-Ray Free Electron Lasers (part 1)

Philip Willmott

Are you interested in investigating materials and their properties with unsurpassed accuracy and fidelity? Synchrotrons and XFELs count as Science’s premier microscopic tool in scientific endeavours as diverse as molecular biology, environmental science, cultural heritage, catalytical chemistry, and the electronic properties of novel materials, to name but a few examples.

This first of two courses is pitched at a level to provide valuable insights into this broad spectrum of scientific disciplines, from the generation of x-rays, via the interaction of x-rays with matter, to a description of the machines that produce intense x-ray sources. The sister course will concentrate on modern experiments performed using these facilities.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

What are x-rays and how are they produced
Interactions of x-rays with matter
Machine physics

Synchrotron and xfel facilities
Beamlines and instrumentation

What are x-rays and how are they produced
Interactions of x-rays with matter
Machine physics
Synchrotron and xfel facilities
Beamlines and instrumentation

Syllabus

Week 1: General intro of x-rays, synchrotrons, and XFELs

Week 2: Interactions of x-rays with matter

Week 3: Basics of synchrotron (“machine”) physics

Week 4: Basics of synchrotron (“machine”) physics, continued

Week 5: X-ray optics and beamlines

Week 6: X-ray optics and beamlines, continued

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Philip Willmott, an expert in x-ray science at the Australian Synchrotron

Examines x-rays, xfel, and synchrotrons, which are highly relevant to fields such as molecular biology, environmental science, and materials science

Develops core skills in understanding x-rays, xfel, and synchrotrons, which can enhance employability

Covers general topics in x-rays, xfel, and synchrotrons, which provides a solid foundation for further study or professional development

May require additional self-study or prerequisites, as it explicitly advises students to take other courses first

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Synchrotrons and X-Ray Free Electron Lasers (part 1) with these activities:

Find a mentor in the field of synchrotron science

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Identify and connect with a mentor who can provide guidance and support as you explore the field of synchrotron science.

Browse courses on Mentorship

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Attend conferences and workshops related to synchrotron science.
Reach out to researchers in the field and inquire about their willingness to mentor you.
Set up regular meetings with your mentor to discuss your progress and seek advice.

Review synchrotron radiation principles

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Review the basic principles of synchrotron radiation to strengthen your understanding of the course material.

Browse courses on Synchrotron Radiation

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Read the textbook chapter on synchrotron radiation.
Watch a video lecture on synchrotron radiation.
Complete the practice problems on synchrotron radiation.

Practice problems on X-ray optics

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Practice solving problems related to X-ray optics to improve your problem-solving skills and reinforce your understanding.

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Find a set of practice problems on X-ray optics.
Solve the problems, checking your answers against the provided solutions.
Review the solutions to identify any areas where you need further clarification.

Four other activities

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Tutorial on X-ray scattering and diffraction

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Complete a guided tutorial on X-ray scattering and diffraction to deepen your understanding of how these techniques are used to determine the structure of materials.

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Find a guided tutorial on X-ray scattering and diffraction.
Work through the tutorial, completing all the exercises and examples.
Summarize the key concepts you learned from the tutorial.

Read 'Synchrotron Radiation: A Primer' by A. Hofmann

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Review 'Synchrotron Radiation: A Primer' to gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles and applications of synchrotron radiation.

View Biomedical Engineering e-Mega Reference on Amazon

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Read through the book, taking notes and highlighting key concepts.
Complete the exercises and problems at the end of each chapter.
Summarize the main points of each chapter in your own words.

Create a presentation on synchrotron beamlines

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Create a presentation on synchrotron beamlines to enhance your understanding of the design and operation of these facilities.

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Research different types of synchrotron beamlines.
Choose a specific beamline to focus on for your presentation.
Design your presentation, including an introduction, background information, and a detailed description of the beamline's components and operation.
Rehearse your presentation and present it to a small group for feedback.

Build a small-scale X-ray diffraction setup

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Construct a small-scale X-ray diffraction setup to gain practical experience with the techniques and principles discussed in the course.

Browse courses on X-Ray Diffraction

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Research different X-ray diffraction setups and choose a design that is appropriate for your resources and skill level.
Gather the necessary materials and components for your setup.
Assemble the setup according to the chosen design.
Calibrate the setup and test its functionality.
Use the setup to collect X-ray diffraction data from different samples.

Career center

Learners who complete Synchrotrons and X-Ray Free Electron Lasers (part 1) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists research and develop new materials with improved properties for use in various industries, such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics. This course would be helpful in this field because it provides an in-depth look at how x-rays interact with matter. This knowledge is essential for characterizing and analyzing materials at the atomic level.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Radiation Therapist

Radiation Therapists deliver radiation therapy to patients with cancer. This course would be helpful in this field because it provides an understanding of the generation and interaction of x-rays with matter. This knowledge is essential for safely and effectively delivering radiation therapy to cancer patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Radiation Therapist

Health Physicist

Health Physicists protect people from the harmful effects of radiation. This course would be helpful in this field because it provides an understanding of the generation and interaction of x-rays with matter. This knowledge is essential for developing and implementing radiation safety protocols.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Physicist

Radiologist

Radiologists interpret medical images to diagnose and treat diseases. This course would be helpful in this field because it provides an understanding of the generation and interaction of x-rays with matter. This knowledge is essential for accurately interpreting medical images.

See salaries and explore the career path for Radiologist

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Nuclear Medicine Technologists administer radioactive substances to patients for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This course would be helpful in this field because it provides an understanding of the generation and interaction of x-rays with matter. This knowledge is essential for safely and effectively administering radioactive substances to patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Data Scientist

Data Scientists analyze and interpret data to extract meaningful insights. This course would be helpful in this field because it provides a foundation in the generation and analysis of x-ray data. This knowledge would be beneficial for developing data analysis algorithms and models for synchrotrons and XFELs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Research Scientist

Research Scientists perform research to gather new knowledge in various scientific fields. This course would be helpful in this field because it provides a foundation in the generation of x-rays, their interaction with matter, and the machines that produce these intense x-ray sources. This knowledge would be beneficial for conducting research using synchrotrons and X-ray FELs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

Archaeologist

Archaeologists study past human societies through the excavation and analysis of artifacts and structures. This course would be helpful in this field because it provides an understanding of the interaction of x-rays with matter. This knowledge would be useful for analyzing archaeological artifacts and structures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archaeologist

Medical Physicist

Medical Physicists work with health experts to ensure that radiation therapy used to kill cancer cells during treatments is done so in a way that is as safe for the patient as possible. They also design and develop radiation equipment. This course would be helpful in this field because it provides an in-depth look at the production and interaction of x-rays with matter, which is essential knowledge for working with radiation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Physicist

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and develop solutions to environmental problems. This course would be helpful in this field because it provides an understanding of the interaction of x-rays with matter. This knowledge would be useful for analyzing environmental samples and developing remediation strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design and develop mechanical systems and components. This course would be helpful in this field because it provides a foundation in the basics of synchrotron and XFEL facilities, as well as x-ray optics and beamlines. This knowledge would be beneficial for designing and developing components for these facilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design and develop chemical processes and equipment. This course would be helpful in this field because it provides an understanding of the interaction of x-rays with matter. This knowledge would be useful for analyzing and designing chemical processes that involve the use of x-rays.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer

Museum curator

Museum Curators care for and interpret museum collections. This course would be helpful in this field because it provides an understanding of the interaction of x-rays with matter. This knowledge would be useful for preserving and analyzing museum artifacts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design and develop electrical systems and components. This course would be helpful in this field because it provides a foundation in the basics of synchrotron and XFEL facilities, as well as x-ray optics and beamlines. This knowledge would be beneficial for designing and developing electrical systems for these facilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. This course would be helpful in this field because it provides an understanding of the hardware and software used in synchrotrons and XFELs. This knowledge would be useful for developing software that controls and operates these facilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Synchrotrons and X-Ray Free Electron Lasers (part 1).

Fifty Years of X-Ray Diffraction

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and applications of X-ray crystallography. It valuable resource for researchers and students in the field.

Synchrotrons and X-Ray Free Electron Lasers (part 1)

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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