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Caltech Course Catalog / 2025-2026 Catalog / Courses 2025-26 / Application of Diffraction Techniques in Materials Science

MS 142 - Application of Diffraction Techniques in Materials Science

MS 142

Application of Diffraction Techniques in Materials Science

9 units (2-3-4)   |  second term
Prerequisites: Instructor's permission.

Applications of X-ray and neutron diffraction methods to the structural characterization of materials. Emphasis is on the analysis of polycrystalline materials but some discussion of single crystal methods is also presented. Techniques include quantitative phase analysis, crystalline size measurement, lattice parameter refinement, internal stress measurement, quantification of preferred orientation (texture) in materials, Rietveld refinement, and determination of structural features from small angle scattering. Homework assignments will focus on analysis of diffraction data. Samples of interest to students for their thesis research may be examined where appropriate. Not offered 2025-26.

Published Date: Aug. 28, 2025