Experimental Methods and Instrumentation for Synchrotron Radiation Research
Experimentella metoder och instrumentering för synkrotronljusforskning

EXTN90, 7.5 credits, A (Second 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: Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Elective for: F4, F4-axn, MNAV2, N4
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

MAX IV is one of the most advanced X-ray sources in the world that provides opportunities for leading research. However, the usage of MAX IV and its application to key research topics can be cumbersome. The overall goal of the course is for the student to acquire knowledge about the characteristics, instrumentation and research opportunities at MAX IV and similar facilities around the world.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to describe the properties of synchrotron radiation (coherence, brilliance) and its sources (bending magnet, undulator, wiggler).
• Be able to account for the properties and name the optical components (mirrors, lenses, gratings, multilayers, zone plates, crystals) for photon energy ranges from infrared to hard x-rays.
• Be able to account for the properties of detectors and needs for a given experimental technique.
• Be able to describe the design of a beamline for spectroscopy, structure determination, imaging, microscopy, tomography.
• Be able to account and name common experimental techniques and methods used at synchrotron radiation facilities for spectroscopy, structure determination, imaging, microscopy, tomography, etc.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to apply and identify synchrotron radiation techniques to solve specific scientific questions.
• Be able to discuss and propose potential experiments at synchrotron radiation facilities or X-ray free-electron lasers tailored to a specific question and devise potential outcomes.
• Be able to Perform a simulation and thereby optimising parameters for undulators, wigglers, and bending magnets based on a requirement specification for the photon energy range, photon flux, polarisation, as well as the performance (electron energy, emittance, beam size) of the storage ring.
• Be able to implement simulations and thereby optimising parameters for optical components (including reflective, refractive, and diffractive) in order to optimise the performance with regard to the photon energy range, photon flux, energy resolution, polarisation, focusing.
• Be able to report on and communicate basic synchrotron radiation results to the public and to peers.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to critically review and discuss the suitability of synchrotron radiation for specific scientific cases.
• Be able to assess and reflect on the plausibility and significance of the reported result.

Contents

The course covers:

• The properties of synchrotron radiation from bending magnets, insertion devices, and how they are linked to the parameters of the storage ring, and the insertion device.
• The instrumentation used at a synchrotron radiation facility.
• Experimental methods based on synchrotron radiation.
• Properties and experimental methods for free-electron lasers.

Examination details

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

Examination is in the form of written and oral assignments during and at the end of the course, the laboratory report, participation in compulsory parts, and with an oral exam at the end of the course. The oral exam also checks the independence of the written assignments.

Students who do not pass a regular evaluation will be offered another opportunity for assessment soon thereafter.

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: Experimental Methods and Instrumentation for Synchrotron Radiation Research.
Credits: 7.5. Grading scale: UV - (U, G, VG).

Admission

Assumed prior knowledge: 90 credits in natural science or engineering.
The number of participants is limited to: No

Reading list

• According to a list established by the department and available at least five weeks before the start of the course.

Contact

Course coordinator: Pablo Villanueva Perez, pablo.villanueva_perez@sljus.lu.se
Course coordinator: Sverker Werin, sverker.werin@maxiv.lu.se

Further information

The course is given by the Faculty of Science.