Materialphysics
Material Physics
This course offers the opportunity to become acquainted with typical methods and questions of material physics.
Participants will perform hands-on experiments in groups of two, also using modern research instruments.
The experiments will be supplemented by theoretical sessions providing an introduction to the basics of material physics.
Material physics investigates the basic principles of the properties of material. The investigated materials are metals and their alloys, but also ceramics and polymers. The aim is to describe the typical properties of material in terms of the atomic or molecular arrangement. Nanostructuring, investigation of multilayers, development of materials for hydrogen storage and superconductivity are fields of current research.
In a series of experiments the participants will learn about typical methods of investigation and ways of argumentation in material physics. The size of the relevant objects varies in orders of magnitude, from single atoms to structures that can be seen with the naked eye.
The method of field-ion-microscopy allows to image single atoms of a self-prepared sample and thus to reveal its structure.
Experiments with a LiF single crystal enable the participants to understand the process of plastic deformation. They learn about the way atoms behave if one for example bends a paper clip.
In a further series of experiments binary alloys will be melted and investigated after metallographical preparation with light and electron microscopes. The participants will learn about the way material properties can be modified through thermal treatment. After an introduction to the concept of equilibrium diagrams they will even be able to make predictions about that.
If requested, experiments about diffusion can be added. Is it really possible that atoms in a solid metallic sample move over visible distances?
max. Teilnehmerzahl: 6
Duration: 3-5 days
Application
