Microscopy and spectroscopy characterization methods

Course: Fizi5112
Laboratory of EXAFS Spectroscopy
Course title     

"Microscopy and spectroscopy characterization methods" ("Mikroskopijas un spektroskopijas pētījumu metodes")

Course place and time     

Each Thursday from 09:00 to 12:30 at ISSP UL, Kengaraga iela 8, 5th floor, Room 504.

About     

The Magister course “Microscopy and spectroscopy characterization methods” has been developed at the Institute of Solid State Physics of the University of Latvia with the support of the Centre of Advanced Material Research and Technology Transfer – CAMART².

The course is a part of a two-year Master’s Degree programme.

The parts of the course have been prepared by Boris Poļakovs (Scanning electron microscopy, Scanning probe microscopy, Scanning tunneling microscopy), Krišjānis Šmits (Transmission electron microscopy), Linards Skuja (Mass spectrometry and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry), Inga Pudža (X-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy) and Aleksejs Kuzmins (X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray and neutron diffraction, Introduction to special techniques).

Lecturer(s) Aleksejs Kuzmins (Dr.phys.), Inga Pudža (Ph.D.), Linards Skuja (Dr.habil.phys.), Krišjānis Šmits (Dr. phys.)

Total Number of Contact Hours 64
Number of Lecture Hours 40
Number of Seminar and Practical Assignment Hours 0
Number of Hours for Laboratory Assignments 24
Independent Study Hours 96

Course Abstract The course gives theoretical and experimental backgrounds of microscopy and spectroscopy characterization methods and their application in materials science.

Course Content Adobe PDF file (eng.) / Adobe PDF formatā fails (latv.)

Course Plan 1. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy
2. Scanning probe microscopy
3. Scanning tunneling microscopy
4. X-ray absorption spectroscopy
5. X-ray and neutron diffraction
6. Mass spectrometry and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry
7. X-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy
8. Introduction to advanced and emerging techniques

Learning Outcomes During the course students will learn fundamental knowledge of advanced experimental methods used to study the electronic and atomic structure of materials and will acquire knowledge which will facilitate their choice and implementation of the Master's thesis.

After completing the course:
1) students will know and understand fundamental principles and possible applications of electron and scanning microscopies, x-ray absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies, x-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopies, mass spectrometry, x-ray, electron and neutron diffraction as well as new advanced and emerging techniques;
2) students will have practical skills in the use of electron and scanning microscopes, x-ray diffractometers, x-ray fluorescence and mass spectrometers as well as in x-ray absorption spectra data analysis.

Requirements for Awarding Credits Laboratory – 50%, written exam – 50%.