Physics@Brock

Physics Department

PHYS 5P83

Outline
Integrity
Calendar entry
FMS Academic Policies

Home > Courses > 5P83

PHYS 5P83 - Foundations of Materials Physics Characterization

Instructor: S. Monfared

Time and Location

About this Course

What Brock calendar entry says:
- Introduction to the physics, theory of operation, and data analysis approaches of experimental materials physics characterization techniques.
Prerequisite(s)
- Students must have enrolled in PHYS 5P79 or obtain the instructor's permission.
What does student need to bring into the course?
- A foundational understanding of physics principles will be advantageous. Students should review basic concepts related to materials properties, including magnetic properties, electric properties, thermal properties, and surface and composition characteristic. While the course covers the fundamental theoretical concepts underlying the measurement of material properties, a comprehensive exposition of which will be provided in PHYS 5P79. However, it is imperative to emphasize the significance of attaining a profound comprehension of these concepts. As a result, students are strongly advised to acquaint themselves with the course syllabus. This facilitates an understanding of the subject matter's focal points, designated tasks, and anticipated outcomes. This proactive approach will allow students to synchronize their preparatory efforts effectively.
Course Goals

The primary goal of the course PHYS 5P83 is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles underlying experimental techniques used to characterize the physical and structural properties of materials. This includes:
- Physics Fundamentals: The course aims to establish a solid foundation in the physics principles that govern material behavior, enabling students to comprehend how materials respond to various measurement techniques.
- Theory of Operation: Students will gain insight into the operational principles of different characterization and measurement techniques. Understanding how these techniques work is crucial for accurate data acquisition and interpretation.
- Material Properties: By the end of the course, students should be able to correlate the observed experimental results with specific material properties, such as magnetic, electric, thermal, morphological, and compositional attributes.
- Critical Thinking: Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills that enable them to establish meaningful connections between experimental observations and the theoretical framework capable of providing explanations for those observations.
Ultimately, the course aims to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively employ experimental materials physics characterization techniques, thereby preparing them for further studies in materials science, research, or related fields.
Textbook

Considering the diverse range of topics that will be addressed within this course, the following references are provided:
- "The Basics of Crystallography and Diffraction", by Christopher Hammond, Fourth Edition, Oxford Science Publications
- "Introduction to Solid State Physics", by Charles Kittel, Eighth Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc
- "Physics of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials", by K. H. J. Buschow, and F. R. De Boer, Kluwer Academic Publishers
- "Magnetism and Magnetic Materials", by J. M. D. Coey, Cambridge University Press
Communication with the Instructor
- your instructor operates with an open-door policy, allowing you to seek one-on-one assistance and ask questions at any time, except during restricted hours.

Grade Composition

Topics to be Covered

This is a provisional list, drawn from past experience. Overtime, some topics may be omitted, while others might be introduced on yearly basis.

Fundamental of X-Ray Diffraction
- Crystals and crystal structures
- The Diffraction of X-Ray
- Rietveld Refinement
- Rigaku Smart Lab Goniometer Setup

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
- Introduction to Scanning Electron Microscopy
- Electron - Matter Interaction Volume
- Key Parameters for high - Quality SEM Images
- Unveiling Image Blur in SEM: Causes and Solution

Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS)
- Characteristic X-Ray
- Moseley Law
- Critical Parameters and Quantitative Analysis
- SEM / EDS Components and Configuration

Magnetism
- Origin of atomic moments
- Diamagnetism
- Paramagnetism
- Ferromagnetism
- Antiferromagnetism
- Set up Configuration of Quantum Design Magnetic Properties Measurement System (MPMS)

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
- Introduction
- Contact Mode
- Oscillating Mode

Heat Capacity of Solids
- Phonon Modes
- Einstein Model
- Debye Model
- Lattice Contribution to Heat Capacity
- Electronic Contribution to Heat Capacity
- Magnetic Contribution to Heat Capacity
- Set up Configuration of Quantum Design Physical Properties Measurement System (PPMS)

Important Date

Responsibilities and Expectation

Accommodation

The University is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students and will adhere to the Human Rights principles that ensure respect for dignity, individualized accommodation, inclusion and full participation. The University provides a wide range of resources to assist students, as follows:

If you require academic accommodation because of a disability or an ongoing health or mental health condition, please contact Student Accessibility Services at askSAS@brocku.ca or 905 688 5550 ext. 3240.

The Student Absence Self-Declaration Form is intended to replace the need for a medical note and supporting documentation from a health care provider when, in the case of a short-term medical condition or personal events or circumstances beyond the control of the student which seriously impair the student’s ability to meet academic obligations, a student wishes to seek an academic accommodation. The request is to be made in good faith by the student requesting the academic consideration due to a short-term condition that impacts their academic activities (e.g., participation in academic classes, delay in assignments, etc.). The period of this short-term medical condition or circumstance for academic accommodation must fall within a 72-hour (3-day) period. This period includes weekends. The form needs to be submitted to your instructor either during your brief absence or, in cases where you are too unwell, within 24 hours of the end of your 3-day brief absence. The form may be used for medical conditions (including physical or mental health concerns) or personal events or circumstances (e.g., housing insecurity, gender-based and sexual violence). The form may be submitted by email or within your course site in Brightspace, if this option has been activated by your instructor. Note 1: The Student Absence Self-Declaration Form may only be used once per course per term. Additional uses are only permitted at the discretion of the instructor. Note 2: In cases where a student has a medical circumstance that will impact academic activities that exceeds 72 hours (3 days), or in the case of a request for a deferred exam, the Brock University Medical Verification Form must be submitted. Medical Verification Form (extended period/exam deferral) In cases where a student requests academic consideration due to a medical circumstance that exceeds 72 hours (3 days) and will impact their academic activities (e.g., participation in academic classes, delay in assignments, etc.), or in the case of an exam deferral, the Medical Verification Form (Extended Period/Exam Defferal) Form must be signed by the student and the health professional. as per process set out in Faculty Handbook III:9.4.5.

If you are experiencing mental health concerns, contact the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre. Good2Talk is a service specifically for post-secondary students, available 24/7, 365 days a year, and provides anonymous assistance: Visit the Good2Talk Website or call 1-866-925-5454. For information on wellness, coping and resiliency, visit Brock’s Mental Health Website.

The Campus Assessment, Response, Education (CARE) and Connect Team aims to support any student, with any concern, at anytime. Students experiencing challenges related to health and wellness, academic success, finances, or any other concern are promptly connected to a Case Coordinator, who will then assist with creating a personalized support plan. Students can Self-Refer to CARE and Connect and all community may use the Connect Referral Form.

If you require academic accommodation on religious grounds, you should make a formal, written request to your instructor(s) for alternative dates and/or means of satisfying requirements. Such requests should be made during the first two weeks of any given academic term, or as soon as possible after a need for accommodation is known to exist.

If you have been affected by sexual violence, the Human Rights & Equity Office offers support, information, reasonable accommodations, and resources through the Sexual Violence Support & Education Coordinator. For information on sexual violence, visit Brock's Sexual Assault and Harassment Policy or contact the Sexual Violence Support & Response Coordinator at humanrights@brocku.ca or 905 688 5550 ext. 4387.

If you feel you have experienced discrimination or harassment on any of the above grounds, including racial, gender or other forms of discrimination, contact the Human Rights and Equity Office at humanrights@brocku.ca.