National School on Neutron and X-ray Scattering

The Department of Energy (particularly through the Office of Science and Basic Energy Sciences) has taken a leading role in financing the construction and operation of large facilities producing neutrons and X-rays. These facilities offer outstanding research capabilities in a wide variety of scientific fields. Thousands of scientists from universities, industry, and national laboratories use these facilities every year. Unfortunately, few education courses prepare young researchers to effectively use the complex and sophisticated instruments available at these facilities.

To address this need, DOE provides funding for the National School on Neutron and X-ray Scattering that is held every summer for two weeks at Argonne National Laboratory. Argonne is the home of the Advanced Photon Source (APS) and the Intense Pulsed Neutron Source (IPNS), both of which are major national user facilities. Lectures for the school cover a wide range of related subjects. The first week begins with a basic grounding in advanced scattering theory (applicable to both neutrons and X-rays) and proceeds to detailed lectures on neutron and x-ray sources and instrumentation. The remainder of the lectures cover widely used neutron and X-ray scattering techniques with an emphasis on both general theory and practical application. Students are also given hands on experience by conducting experiments at both the APS and IPNS.

National School on Neutron and X-ray Scattering

Division of Educational Programs

Argonne National Laboratory