Neutron scattering: a powerful method for materials research

The discovery and development of new materials hinge on our understanding of their structures and dynamics. Neutron scattering is a powerful and versatile method to characterize the structure and dynamics of materials. Originally developed as a tool for physics, it has led to major advances in many areas of science and technology such as clean energy, pharmaceuticals, nanotechnology, materials engineering, information technology and fundamental physics.

The last few decades have brought about tremendous advances in neutron scattering sources and instrumentation. This includes the new China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) under construction in Dongguan, China. 60 miles from Hong Kong, it is destined to become an international hub for materials research. This course will be a rare chance to become familiar with the techniques that will be employed there.

As neutron scattering is relatively new to the Hong Kong scientific community, the summer course will emphasise on commonly used scattering techniques employed in materials research such as Neutron Diffraction (ND), Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS), Neutron Reflectivity (NR), Inelastic Neutron Scattering (INS) and Quasi-Elastic Neutron Scattering (QENS).

The number of participants in the course will be limited to 30, in order to facilitate greater interaction between participants and lecturers. Participants will be able to approach the eminent scientists engaged both in educational settings such as classrooms and laboratory sessions, as well as network casually in working lunches.