MATS16202
Structure of Crystalline Solids
10
Semester 2
Undergraduate
Level 4
Sarah Haigh
Unit coordinator
Department of Materials
1
FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' First part HE study/Bachelors '
European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 5.0
<p>This unit provides an introductory level overview of crystallography, crystal defects and the characterisation of crystal structures using simple X-ray diffraction techniques. </p>
<div>This unit provides an introductory level overview of crystallography, crystal defects and the characterisation of crystal structures using simple X-ray diffraction techniques. Lecture topics include: </div><div> </div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Bravais Lattices. Definitions of crystal symmetry and defining crystallographic space groups. Stereographic projections. Defining directions and plane orientation relationships in a crystal lattice using Miller indices (beyond cubic systems) and Miller-Bravais notation. </div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Develop an understanding of crystal defects: types of interstitial sites and point defects. Introduce the concept of line defects and dislocations. Temperature dependence of vacancy concentration. </div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Structure of surfaces. </div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Introduction to wave - crystal interactions. </div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>X-ray generation, characteristic and continuum X-ray signals, absorption and filters. </div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Operation of X-ray diffractometers, solving crystal structures using X-ray diffraction. </div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Introduction to reciprocal space and the reciprocal lattice. </div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>X-ray structure factor and how this leads to systematic absences with examples for face centred cubic and body centred cubic crystal structures.</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Factors affecting intensity and peak width in X-ray diffraction patterns. </div><div> </div>
<div> The unit aims to allow students to: <br /> </div><div> •<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Use Miller indices and Miller-Bravais notation to describe crystal directions and the orientation of crystal planes.</div><div> •<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Describe the different types of crystal defects including interstitial sites and vacancies </div><div> •<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Use the concept of the Ewald sphere and reciprocal space to explain diffraction patterns</div><div> •<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Use X-ray diffraction for characterising simple crystal structures</div><div> •<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Describe X-ray generation and how a monochromatic X-ray beam can be produced</div><div> </div>
<p>A greater depth of the learning outcomes will be covered in the following sections:</p>
<ul>
<li>
Knowledge and understanding</li>
<li>
Intellectual skills</li>
<li>
Practical skills</li>
<li>
Transferable skills and personal qualities</li>
</ul>
<ol><li>Derive Bragg’s Law for diffraction of X-rays from crystal planes. </li><li>Describe characteristic and continuum X-ray generation.</li><li>Explain how a monochromatic X-ray beam can be produced.</li><li>Explain how to perform an X-ray diffraction experiment to determine crystal structure.</li><li>Use structure factor to explain the presence of systematic absences in X-ray diffraction patterns. </li><li>Explain the factors that influence X-ray diffraction intensities.</li><li>Explain the factors that influence surface structure compared to the bulk material.</li><li>Describe the different types of crystal defects including interstitial sites and vacancies.</li></ol><div> </div>
<ol><li>Apply Bragg's law for the conversion of diffraction angle and d-spacing.</li><li>Show improved logical reasoning, problem solving and ability in applied mathematics particularly vector addition. </li><li>Visualisation and representation of 3D structures.</li></ol><div> </div>
<ol><li>Have an awareness of how to prepare a powder sample for X-ray diffraction analysis. </li><li>Use the Weiss Zone Law to find crystal planes that belong to a common zone axis.</li><li>Use stereographic projections to demonstrate crystal symmetry in three dimensions.</li><li><span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Analyse a simple powder X-ray diffraction pattern to gain information about the structure of a material.</li></ol><div> </div>
<ol><li>Demonstrate improved logical reasoning. </li><li>Explain the safety considerations necessary when using X-rays.</li><li>Visualise crystallographic problems in three dimensions.</li></ol><div> </div>
<div> <p>Lectures, group tutorials (online problem sessions), recommended textbooks, web resources, past exam papers, electronic supporting information (Blackboard), peer-assisted study sessions (PASS).</p></div><p> </p>
1
Written exam
70%
2
Written assignment (inc essay)
30%
<p>Feedback given verbal + written</p>
N
<div> •<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>“Elements of X-ray Diffraction”, B.D. Cullity, Addison-Wesley (1978). </div><div> •<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>“Diffraction for Material Scientists” J.M Schultz Prentice-Hall Inc (1982). </div><div> •<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>“The Basics of Crystallography and Diffraction” Christopher Hammond, Oxford University Press (1997).</div><div> •<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>“Introduction to Solid State Physics” Kittel, John Wiley and Sons (1996). </div><div> •<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>“Crystallography and Crystal Defects” A Kelly and GW Groves and P Kidd (2000).</div><div> •<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Extensive online reference materials are linked on Blackboard including doitpoms website and youtube videos (e.g Lecture on the Braggs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-jE7BM902Q)</div><div> </div>
Lectures
20
0
80