Solid State Characterization

This lecture covers the basic concepts of state-of-the-art methods for solid state characterization, including X-ray scattering methods, electron microscopy, and surface spectroscopy. Students will learn about long range vs. short range order, resolution of experiments, bulk vs. surface properties, and more. The course emphasizes the importance of choosing the appropriate method for different materials and understanding the physico-chemical properties of different types of solids. Topics include crystal structures, molecular solids, ionic solids, covalent solids, and metallic solids. The lecture also delves into defects in real solids and the reciprocal lattice in crystallography.