Photon and Neutron Production for Science
Produktion av fotoner och neutroner för vetenskap

EXTF90, 7.5 credits, G2 (First Cycle)

Valid for: 2025/26
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED N
Date of Decision: 2025-04-10
Effective: 2025-05-05

General Information

Main field: Nanoscience Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: First cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Elective for: BME4-bf, F4, F4-axn, MNAV2, N4
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

On completion of the course, the student is to have acquired general knowledge in accelerators and how photons and neutrons are produced for scientific use. The student also will get a solid base for further studies towards instruments, beamlines and experimental methods used at large facilities such as MAX IV and ESS.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to describe the basic concepts used in accelerator physics
• be able to explain different accelerator types and their way of operation
• be able to explain how photons are produced in synchrotrons
• be able to explain how neutrons are produced, especially in spallation sources
• be able to name the principal techniques used in X-rays and neutrons science
• be able to illustrate and discuss the use of photons and neutrons in research.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to describe and apply the basic concepts of particle beam transport
• be able to use the basic relations in beam dynamics
• be able to present an accelerator-based user facility
• be able to discuss the transport of light in a beamline
• be able to carry out a comparison between neutron sources
• be able to report on neutron sources and their performance.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to critically discuss the motion of charged particles in simple magnetic lattices
• be able to critically discuss the properties of the synchrotron radiation.

Contents

The course provides specialised knowledge of how photons and neutrons are produced with accelerators and how they are used in research. Different types of accelerators are introduced, with special emphasis on synchrotrons and linear proton accelerators. The lectures give an overview of the different components (magnets, RF cavities, vacuum, diagnostics) of an accelerator and the basic theory of beam dynamics is introduced. A more specific description is dedicated to synchrotron light sources and spallation neutron sources. Beamlines for photons are presented and described in detail, as well as the function and structure of neutron guides.

Experimental stations and instruments used in research facilities are introduced and finally research methods and their applications in natural science, medicine and material science are presented.

The teaching consists of lectures, study visits, seminars, computational and group exercises and project work. The knowledge is strengthened with exercise sessions and simulation sessions. The submission of hand-in assignments is compulsory.

Examination details

Grading scale: UV - (U, G, VG) - (Fail, Pass, Pass with Distinction)
Assessment:

The examination consists of a written exam and an oral exam at the end of the course. To pass the entire course it is necessary to pass the written and the oral examination and full-fill the compulsory components. The grade for the whole course is determined by an aggregation of the grades of the written and oral examination.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Modules
Code: 0111. Name: Photon and Neutron Production for Science.
Credits: 7.5. Grading scale: UV - (U, G, VG).

Admission

Assumed prior knowledge: Basic courses i mathematics and physics.
The number of participants is limited to: 20
Selection: Completed university credits within the program. Priority is given to students enrolled on programmes that include the course in their curriculum.

Reading list

• Literature is compiled and produced by the course coordinators. The compendium "Accelerator Technique, 2.5th edition, Sverker Werin, Max-lab, 2006" is available in Canvas together with other relevant articles.

Contact

Course coordinator: Francesca Curbis, francesca.curbis@maxiv.lu.se
Course homepage: https://www.fysik.lu.se/utbildning/kurser/kurser-pa-grundniva

Further information

The course is given by the Faculty of Science.