X-ray scattering is a well-established technique in materials science. The aim of this text is to explain basic principles and applications of x-ray scattering in a simple way using many practical examples followed by more elaborate case studies. It contains a separate chapter on the different types of order/disorder in soft matter that play such an important role in modern self-assembling systems. Finally the last chapter treats soft matter surfaces and thin film that are increasingly used in coatings and in many technological applications, such as liquid crystal displays and nanostructured block copolymer films

This manual is a useful ready-reference guide to the analytical power of modern X-ray scattering in the field of soft matter. The author describes simple tools that can elucidate the mechanisms of structure evolution in the studied materials, and follows this up with a step-by-step guide to more advanced methods. Data analysis based on clear, unequivocal results is rendered simple and straightforward – with a stress on careful planning of experiments and adequate recording of all required data.

X-ray scattering is a well-established technique in materials science. The aim of this text is to explain basic principles and applications of x-ray scattering in a simple way using many practical examples followed by more elaborate case studies. It contains a separate chapter on the different types of order/disorder in soft matter that play such an important role in modern self-assembling systems. Finally the last chapter treats soft matter surfaces and thin film that are increasingly used in coatings and in many technological applications, such as liquid crystal displays and nanostructured block copolymer films.

The properties of soft-matter thin films (e.g. liquid films, polymer coatings, Langmuir-Blodgett multilayers) nowadays play an important role in materials science. They are also very exciting with respect to fundamental questions: In thin films, liquids and polymers may be considered as trapped in a quasi-two-dimensional geometry. This confined geometry is expected to alter the properties and structures of these materials considerably. This volume is dedicated to the scattering of x-rays by soft-matter interfaces. X-ray scattering under grazing angles is the only tool to investigating these materials on atomic and mesoscopic length scales. A review of the field is presented with many examples.

X-ray scattering is a well-established technique in materials science. Several excellent textbooks exist in this field, but these texts are typically written by physicists who use mathematics to make things clear. Consequently these books appeal less to students and scientists in the field of soft matter (polymers, liquid crystals, colloids, self-assembled organic systems) who usually have a more chemical-oriented background with limited mathematics. Moreover, they need to know about the technique of x-ray scattering, but do not intend to become an expert. The aim of this book is to explain basic principles and applications of x-ray scattering in a simple way using many practical examples followed by more elaborate case studies. The book contains a separate chapter on the different types of order/disorder in soft matter that play such an important role in modern self-assembling systems. Finally the last chapter treats soft matter surfaces and thin film that are increasingly used in coatings and in many technological applications, such as liquid crystal displays and nanostructured block copolymer films. This book has been written for the large community of soft matter students and scientists.

X-ray Science is a comprehensive introduction into characterization techniques for surfaces and bulk materials involving X-rays in physics, crystallography, materials science and chemistry. It starts with the basic properties of X-rays and methods to generate X-rays. Various X-ray diffraction methods are discussed together with computed tomography, x-ray fluorescence, photoelectron spectroscopy and a section on soft x-rays for biological samples.