Polarized Neutron Reflectometry (PNR): Principles and Applications

CFM COLLOQUIUM SERIES

Neutron scattering techniques are a powerful tool to study condensed matter. In particular, specular neutron reflectometry allows us to obtain information about the surfaces or interphases, both external and internal (given the high penetration of neutrons) and the (density, roughness, magnetic) inhomogeneities perpendicular to these whereas the non-specular one provides information about inhomogeneities along the surface. Therefore, it is very useful in order to study thin films and organic and/or inorganic multilayers, liquid-liquid or liquid-solid interphases, etc.
In this talk a brief explanation about this technique and its possible applications will be imparted, providing a broad range of examples from different sciences (Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Materials Science…), with a focus on magnetic materials.