AN INTRODUCTION TO SYNCHROTRON RADIATION - TECHNIQUES AND APPLICATIONS

This book introduces the reader to the basic concepts of the generation and manipulation of synchrotron light, its interaction with matter, and the application of synchrotron light in the “classical” techniques, while including some of the most modern technological developments. As much as possible, complicated mathematical derivations and formulas are avoided. A more heuristic approach is adopted, whereby the general physical reasoning behind the equations is highlighted.

Key features:

• A general introduction to synchrotron radiation and experimental techniques using synchrotron radiation
• Contains many detailed “worked examples” from the literature
• Includes problems embedded within the appropriate part of the text to facilitate learning
• Of interest for a broad audience - synchrotrons are possibly one of the best examples of multidisciplinary research
• Four-colour presentation throughout

Philip Willmott is a physicist with over 25 years' experience in diverse aspects of experimental physics and materials science. He was based at the Physical Chemistry Institute of Zurich University between 1995 and 2001, researching in surface science and teaching undergraduate courses in physical chemistry. He has been teaching elective courses in surface science, laser physics, and introductory courses in synchrotron physics and techniques since 2001 and has been a titular professor in the Physics Institute of Zurich University since 2009. He became the Beamline Manager at the Materials Science beamline of the Swiss Light Source at the Paul Scherrer Institut in 2007.