Neutron diffraction

In surface technology, neutron diffraction plays a role in the characterization of materials and surface structures. Neutrons are neutrally charged particles that penetrate deep into materials and are therefore particularly well suited to investigating structures in materials without damaging them.

Neutron diffraction utilizes the wave properties of neutrons to obtain information about the crystal structure of materials. When neutrons hit a sample, they are scattered by the atoms, and the scattering patterns are characteristic of the arrangement of the atoms in the material. By analyzing these scattering patterns, researchers can obtain important information about the crystal structure, the position of atoms and possible defects or surface structures.

In surface technology, for example, neutron diffraction is used to investigate the structure of thin films, coatings and surface modifications. This enables researchers to understand the effects of surface treatments on the crystal structure and properties of materials. In addition, neutron diffraction can also be used to study interfaces between materials and to characterize nanostructures.

Overall, neutron diffraction in surface engineering offers a powerful method for the non-destructive characterization of materials and surface structures, providing important insights for the development and optimization of surface treatments and coatings.