Synchrotrons and X-Ray Free Electron Lasers (part 2) from edX

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 second of two sister courses is pitched at a level to provide valuable insights to a scientifically diverse audience into the broad spectrum of methods that use synchrotrons, including diffraction and elastic scattering; absorption, fluorescence, and photoelectron spectroscopies; and various imaging techniques, including tomography, coherent lensless imaging, and ptychography.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Elastic scattering and diffraction
X-ray spectroscopies
X-ray tomography

Lensless imaging techniques
What you’ll learn:

Elastic scattering and diffraction
X-ray spectroscopies
X-ray tomography
Lensless imaging techniques
What you’ll learn:

Syllabus

Week 1: Diffraction and scattering basics and theory

Introduction, including examples; basic concepts in crystallography, elastic scattering, and diffraction including the phase problem and how this can be resolved. New approaches in macromolecular crystallography, including artificial intelligence/machine learning.

Week 2: Diffraction techniques

Single-crystal diffraction (Laue method and rotation method), powder diffraction, surface diffraction, small-angle x-ray scattering. x-ray reflectometry.

Week 3: Aspects of x-ray spectroscopy theory and absorption spectroscopy

Energy levels, bonding, energy bands, selection rules for dipole transitions, Fermi's Golden rule. Absorption techniques, including XANES, STXM, PEEM, and EXAFS.

Week 4: X-ray emission spectroscopies and electron spectroscopies

X-ray fluorescence, resonant inelastic x-ray scattering, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy ambient-pressure XPS, x-ray photoelectron diffraction, angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, hard x-ray variants of photoelectron spectroscopies.

Week 5: Tomography and other full-field x-ray microscopies

X-ray tomography basics, including back projections, Radon transforms, and the Fourier slice theorem. Practical considerations. Phase-contrast tomography. Fast tomography. Dark-field and Zernike microscopies.

Week 6: Lensless imaging and x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy

Speckle. coherent x-ray diffractive imaging, ptychographic tomography and laminography. Higher-dimensional imaging. X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Well-suited for learners with an interest in exploring materials and their properties with high precision

Provides valuable insights into a broad range of methods used in synchrotrons, including diffraction, scattering, spectroscopies, and imaging techniques

Taught by Philip Willmott, an expert in the field of synchrotron and XFEL techniques

Part of a two-sister course series, offering a comprehensive exploration of synchrotron methods

Covers advanced topics such as lensless imaging techniques and X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy

Requires a strong background in physics and mathematics, including crystallography and scattering theory

May require access to specialized software or equipment, which may not be readily available to all learners

Career center

Learners who complete Synchrotrons and X-Ray Free Electron Lasers (part 2) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Research Scientist

Research scientists use a variety of techniques to study a wide range of scientific problems, including X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy. This course provides a comprehensive overview of these techniques, enabling you to gain insights into the fundamental principles underlying scientific research. With the knowledge acquired from this course, you can contribute to advancements in various fields of science, such as biology, chemistry, and physics.

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X-Ray Crystallographer

X-ray crystallographers use X-ray diffraction techniques to determine the structure of crystals. This course provides a comprehensive overview of these techniques, enabling you to gain insights into the atomic and molecular level structure of crystalline materials. With the knowledge acquired from this course, you can contribute to advancements in various fields, such as drug discovery, materials science, and protein engineering.

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Physicist

Physicists use X-ray techniques to study a wide range of physical phenomena, including the structure of atoms and molecules, the properties of materials, and the behavior of particles. This course provides a comprehensive overview of these techniques, enabling you to gain insights into the fundamental principles of physics. With the knowledge acquired from this course, you can contribute to advancements in various fields of physics, such as particle physics, condensed matter physics, and quantum mechanics.

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Materials Scientist

Materials scientists use a variety of techniques to study the structure and properties of materials, including X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy. This course provides a comprehensive overview of these techniques, enabling you to gain insights into the atomic and molecular level structure of materials. With the knowledge acquired from this course, you can contribute to the development of new materials with enhanced properties for various applications, such as energy storage, electronics, and biomedical devices.

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Biophysicist

Biophysicists use a variety of techniques to study the structure and function of biological molecules, including X-ray crystallography and spectroscopy. This course provides a strong foundation in these techniques, enabling you to gain insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying biological processes. With the knowledge acquired from this course, you can contribute to advancements in drug discovery, protein engineering, and other areas of biophysics.

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Nanoscientist

Nanoscientists use a variety of techniques to study the structure and properties of materials at the nanoscale, including X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy. This course provides a comprehensive overview of these techniques, enabling you to gain insights into the atomic and molecular level structure of nanomaterials. With the knowledge acquired from this course, you can contribute to the development of new nanomaterials with tailored properties for various applications, such as electronics, energy storage, and drug delivery.

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Geologist

Geologists use X-ray techniques to study the structure and composition of rocks and minerals. This course provides a comprehensive overview of synchrotron and XFEL techniques, equipping you with the skills to effectively utilize these advanced tools in geological research. By understanding the principles and applications of diffraction, spectroscopy, and imaging techniques covered in this course, you can enhance your ability to analyze and characterize geological samples, leading to a better understanding of the Earth's history and composition.

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Analytical Chemist

In the field of analytical chemistry, X-ray techniques play a vital role in determining the structure and composition of various materials. This course provides a comprehensive overview of synchrotron and X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) techniques, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to effectively utilize these advanced tools. By understanding the principles and applications of diffraction, spectroscopy, and imaging techniques covered in this course, you can enhance your ability to analyze and characterize materials in a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and materials research.

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Technical Writer

Technical writers use their knowledge of science and technology to create technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and marketing materials. This course provides a comprehensive overview of synchrotron and X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) techniques, equipping you with the knowledge to effectively communicate the technical details of these advanced technologies to a variety of audiences. By understanding the principles and applications of these techniques, you can contribute to the development and dissemination of scientific information.

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Radiation Therapist

Radiation therapists use X-ray techniques to deliver radiation therapy to patients with cancer. This course provides a strong foundation in these techniques, enabling you to gain insights into the physical principles underlying radiation therapy. With the knowledge acquired from this course, you can contribute to advancements in radiation therapy techniques, leading to improved patient care and outcomes.

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Medical Physicist

Medical physicists use X-ray techniques in a variety of medical applications, including imaging and radiation therapy. This course provides a strong foundation in these techniques, enabling you to gain insights into the physical principles underlying medical imaging and treatment. With the knowledge acquired from this course, you can contribute to advancements in medical imaging technologies and radiation therapy techniques, leading to improved patient care and outcomes.

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Pharmacologist

Pharmacologists use X-ray techniques to study the structure and function of drug molecules and their interactions with biological systems. This course provides a strong foundation in these techniques, enabling you to gain insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying drug action. With the knowledge acquired from this course, you can contribute to advancements in drug discovery and development, leading to the development of more effective and safer therapies.

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Teacher

Teachers use a variety of techniques to educate students in a wide range of subjects, including science. This course provides a comprehensive overview of synchrotron and X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) techniques, equipping you with the knowledge to effectively teach these advanced topics to students. By understanding the principles and applications of these techniques, you can inspire future generations of scientists and contribute to a better understanding of science.

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X-ray Technician

X-ray technicians use X-ray equipment to produce images of the human body for diagnostic purposes. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and applications of X-ray techniques, enabling you to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to perform X-ray examinations safely and effectively. With the knowledge acquired from this course, you can contribute to the provision of high-quality medical imaging services and improve patient care.

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Science Writer

Science writers use their knowledge of science to communicate complex scientific concepts to the public. This course provides a comprehensive overview of synchrotron and X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) techniques, equipping you with the knowledge to effectively communicate the latest advancements in these fields to a broad audience. By understanding the principles and applications of these techniques, you can contribute to a better understanding of science and its impact on society.

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Synchrotrons and X-Ray Free Electron Lasers (part 2)

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