Dr Lewis Owen is the academic co-lead of the X-ray Facility in the Royce Discovery Centre at the University of Sheffield. His work focuses on the development and application of X-ray and neutron scattering techniques, in particular advanced scattering techniques for the study of local structural effects in alloy systems.
Currently a Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellow, and recently awarded the IOM3 Silver Medal for outstanding contribution to knowledge in the materials, minerals and mining sector. Dr Owen is also a keen teacher and communicator, having been awarded the Parkin Prize by the British Crystallographic Association (BCA) in recognition of outstanding contributions to promoting science, raising public awareness of science or teaching crystallography/science. He is also the current Chair of the Physical Crystallography Group of the British Crystallographic Association, and the Structural Condensed Matter Physics Group of the Institute of Physics.
Dr Rob Moorehead is the Advanced Materials Characterisation Experimental Officer at the Henry Royce Institute at the University of Sheffield.
He is responsible for training in the use of X-ray Diffraction (XRD).
Dr Moorehead's research interests are mainly focussed on developing materials for bone regeneration, evaluating advanced manufacturing methods for maxillofacial surgery and dental prosthetics, and developing the techniques used to characterise these, and other materials, advanced manufacturing and smart materials.
He is a registered scientist (RSci) with the Institute of Science and Technology (IST), and is a fellow of the higher education academy (FHEA).
This course is suitable for researchers working in both academia and industry that want to learn how to carry out powder diffraction refinement.
Learning objectives:
To understand the basics of powder diffraction refinement theory and how it affects how we carry out a refinement
To be able to set up and run a powder refinement (using the GSAS-II software)
To be aware of different types of powder refinement fits (Rietveld, Pawley, Le Bail) and how they might be useful
Various topics will be discussed including lattice parameter determination, instrument parameter files, crystallite size determination, quantitative phase analysis, and different refinements methods.
Participants on the course will be provided with:
Complete set of course notes covering the theory of powder diffraction refinement
Access to a series of video lectures on X-ray powder diffraction theory
Walk -through guide on setting up a refinement in GSAS-II
Series of example refinement problems with suitable guidance
0900
Arrivals and registration
0915
Welcome and introductory talk: Underlying theory of powder refinement
1000
Refreshments
1015
Guided walkthrough of powder refinement using GSAS-II software
1230
Lunch
1330
Tour of the Royce Discovery Centre
1400
Practical session: refinement examples (participants will be able to try and carry out refinements themselves under the guidance and supervision of staff)
1630
Closing remarks
1700
End
Participants are expected to be familiar with basic X-ray diffraction theory. To aid in this, and ensure a common base of knowledge, please watch the lecture videos available in the Registered Participants Area. [Estimated time: 3hrs]
Download and install GSAS-II software (available in the Registered Participants Area) on the laptop you will bring to the course, and ensure that this is working. [Estimated time: 30 mins]
Participants are expected to attend in person, there is NOT an hybrid or online option.
Participants are expected to bring a laptop with GSAS-II software installed and checked. Please ensure you bring your charger/power supply as you will be working from this throughout the day.
The RDC is in Sheffield city centre, near West Street, well connected to transport links including the supertram, bus routes, car parking and a 20-minute walk from Sheffield Train Station.
The nearest car park is Q-Park Rockingham Street. You enter the car park on Portobello Street, S1 4NL. It is approximately £14.50 per day if you pre book online. Alternatively, there is street parking on Newcastle street for approximately £14.50 per day.