MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION LABORATORY

Specific Foundation

Specific Foundation / Core

This course aims to introduce students to postgraduate level concepts and techniques that provide the necessary background in specialized subjects. Also, the course assimilates the background of graduates from different Departments and Universities.

1. XRD laboratory: Understanding X-ray based characterization techniques and student training in applied problems. Familiarization with the methods of preparing crystalline powder samples. Use of X-ray diffraction instruments. Training in using crystallographic powder crystal diffraction programs. Applications of the above in qualitative and quantitative analysis of samples. 2. TEM laboratory: Basic operation of the electron microscope. Using diaphragms in microscope operation. Methods of sample preparation. Determination of simple structural defects. Study of the microstructure of the material (inclusions, etc.). Determination of crystallinity, dimensions, morphology etc. Introduction to SEM and AFM. 3. Electrical characterization laboratory : Methodology for the measurement of electrical properties. Van der Pauw method and Hall measurements. Measurement of mobility - classification of materials. Construction of a Gauss meter. 4. Characterization of optical properties & spectroscopy laboratory : Introduction to the Raman phenomenon. Macroscopic description (modulation of dielectric susceptibility, active scattering cross sections, Raman tensor and selection rules). Microscopic view (basic interpretation of macroscopic view through quantum mechanics, coordination phenomena). Scattering in crystalline and amorphous semiconductors (classical semiconductors, Acoustic and optical branches, LO (LA) and TO (TA) oscillations). Fitting of spectra and characterization of materials. Infrared spectroscopy. Preparation of samples (monocrystals, powders, thin film and multilayer films). Recording of reflection and / or transmission spectra. Result processing, Kramers-Kroning data analysis and fitting of Lorentz and Drude oscillators. Essay presentation. 5. Characterization of magnetic materials laboratory : Measurements of the specific electrical resistance of magnetic materials as a function of temperature, preparation and processing of alloy magnetic materials. Measurements of magnetic material’s torque versus field and temperature. Recording and analysis of Mossbauer spectra from magnetic materials. Preparation and processing of magnetic ferrites. Demonstration of Meissner phenomenon in superconducting materials, comparative study of magnetic strength and behavior of the best known permanent magnetic materials.

03-06-2024