Course detail

Methods of Structure Analysis

FSI-WA1-A Acad. year: 2024/2025 Summer semester

The course covers the folowing topics (with various degree of detail):
light microscopy, image analysis, laser scanning confocal microscopy (CLSM), common elements and functional blocks of electron microscopes, electron-matter interaction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), special techniques in SEM, overview of methods of local chemical composition analysis, energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), focused ion beam microscopy (FIB).

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

5

Entry knowledge

Requirements on previous knowledge is: physics basics (mechanics, electricity, magnetism and quantum theory) and mathematics (differential, integral and matrix calculus, statistics) as provided during BSc studies. Further, the knowledge on solid matter physics and crytsallography is required (crystal systems/lattices, reciprocal space, kinematic and dynamic diffraction theory, pole figure, basic stereographic triangle).

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Teaching is supported by the BUT e-learning system.

Attendance in practical lessons  is compulsory. Absence from classes is dealt with individually, usually by make-up exercises.

The exam is only written, in the form of on-line test. The course-unit credit is granted under condition of elaboration of the assigned projects.

Aims

The course objective is to offer the students an overview and also the theoretical knowledge on principles of all basic methods for analyses of structure of materials and its phase composition, including sample preparation techniques. Based on practical demonstrations, the students will gain basic overview of procedures and methods used to solve problems and analysing results.

Based on this knowledge, the student should be able to select appropriate analytical techniqe to solve practical problems in materials' engineering.

Study aids

e-learing platform Moodle in BUT.

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

39 hours, optionally

Syllabus

The topics of the subject are going to be lectured in the following indicative order (actual order will be established according to organizational opportunities):
- light microscopy (repetition and broadening of knowledge gained in the subject Introduction to Material Science and Engineering – BUM)
- image analysis
- laser scanning confocal microscopy (CLSM)
- common elements and functional blocks of electron microscopes
- electron-matter interaction
- scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
- overview of methods of local chemical composition analysis
- energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS)
- wave-dispersive spectroscopy (WDS)
- algorithms of chemical composition quantitation based on EDS/WDS measurement
- focused ion beam microscopy (FIB)

Laboratory exercise

26 hours, compulsory

Syllabus

Topics of the subject will be tought in the following indicative order. Actual order, eventually also grouping of topics, is subject to opportunities in organizing the practical lessons:
- light microscopy and image analysis
- laser scanning confocal microscopy (CLSM)
- scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
- energy- and wave-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS, WDS)
- electron backscatter difraction (EBSD)
- focused ion beam microscopy (FIB)
- transmission electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy (TEM,STEM), electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and EDS in TEM
- sample preparation techniques for SEM and TEM
- X-ray diffraction (XRD), phase composition assessment