Neutrons, X-Rays, and Light: Scattering Methods Applied to Soft Condensed Matter

This book addresses the possibilities provided by scattering techniques in the study of soft matter. It fills the gap between the fundamental scattering processes, which are described by the general theoretical framework of elastic and quasi-elastic interaction of radiation with matter, and state-of-the-art applications to specific soft matter systems. Three probes are discussed in detail: neutrons, X-ray photons, and visible light.

Part 1 of the book is dedicated to the use of general principles for the measurement and analysis of scattered intensity: elementary scattering process, data reduction, general theorems, the concept of reciprocal space, and its link to structural and dynamical information in direct space. In Part 2, methods and techniques are further discussed, including resolution effects, contrast variation, static and dynamic light scattering, quasielastic neutron scattering, and reflectometry and grazing incidence techniques. Part 3 deals with the state of the art of scattering studies of typical soft matter systems (polymers, self-assembled surfactant systems and liquid crystals, microemulsions, colloids, aggregates, biological systems) with dedicated chapters for particle interactions and modeling. Part 4 highlights special applications, from light scattering in turbid media to scattering under external constraints, applications of neutron reflectometry, characterization of relaxation modes by neutron spectroscopy, and industrial applications.

This new edition, written by the lecturers of the Bombannes Summer School, will be most useful as a learning tool for masters and PhD students, postdocs, and young researchers moving into the field. As with the previous edition, it will also be a reference for any scientist working in soft matter, where scattering techniques are ubiquitous, used in both small laboratories and large-scale research facilities.