This book teaches the users on how to construct a library of routines to simulate scattering and diffraction by almost any kind of samples. The main goal of this book is to break down the huge barrier of difficulties faced by beginners from many fields (Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Medicine, Material Science, etc.) in using X-rays as an analytical tool in their research. Besides fundamental concepts, MatLab routines are provided, showing how to test and implement the concepts. The major difficult in analysing materials by X-ray techniques is that it strongly depends on simulation software. This book teaches the users on how to construct a library of routines to simulate scattering and diffraction by almost any kind of samples. It provides to a young student the knowledge that would take more than 20 years to acquire by working on X-rays and relying on the available textbooks. The scientific productivity worldwide is growing at a breakneck pace, demanding ever more dynamic approaches and synergies between different fields of knowledge. To master the fundamentals of X-ray physics means the opportunity of working at an infiniteness of fields, studying systems where the organizational understanding of matter at the atomic scale is necessary. Since the discovery of X radiation, its usage as investigative tool has always been under fast expansion afforded by instrumental advances and computational resources. Developments in medical and technological fields have, as one of the master girders, the feasibility of structural analysis offered by X-rays. One of the major difficulties faced by beginners in using this fantastic tool lies in the analysis of experimental data. There are only few cases where it is possible to extract structural information directly from experiments. In most cases, structure models and simulation of radiation-matter interaction processes are essential. The advent of intense radiation sources and rapid development of nanotechnology constantly creates challenges that seek solutions beyond those offered by standard X-ray techniques. Preparing new researchers for this scenario of rapid and drastic changes requires more than just teaching theories of physical phenomena. It also requires teaching of how to implement them in a simple and efficient manner. In this book, fundamental concepts in applied X-ray physics are demonstrated through available computer simulation tools. Using MatLab, more than eighty routines are developed for solving the proposed exercises, most of which can be directly used in experimental data analysis. Therefore, besides X-ray physics, this book offers a practical programming course in modern high-level language, with plenty of graphic and mathematical tools.

The invention of free-electron lasers (FELs) has opened a door to an entirely new level of scientific research. The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is an X-ray FEL that houses several instruments, each with its own unique X-ray applications. This light source is revolutionary in that while its properties allow for a whole new range of scientific opportunities, it also poses numerous challenges. For example, the intensity of a focused X-ray beam is enough to damage a sample in one mere pulse; however, the pulse speed and extreme brightness of the source together are enough to obtain enough information about that sample, so that no further measurements are necessary. An important device in the radiation detection process, particularly for X-ray imaging, is the detector. The power of the LCLS X-rays has instigated a need for better performing detectors. The research conducted for this project consisted of the study of X-ray detectors to imitate their behaviors in a computer program. The analysis of the Rayonix MX170-HS, CSPAD, and ePix10k in particular helped to understand their properties. This program simulated the interaction of X-ray photons with these detectors to discern the patterns of their responses. A scientist's selection process of a detector for a specific experiment is simplified from the characterization of the detectors in the program.

Polycapillary x-ray optics, arrays of hollow capillary tubes used to guide x-rays by total reflectance, are now being used in increasing numbers of applications, such as materials analysis, microelectronics manufacturing, x-ray astronomy and medical imaging. Because each optic contains hundreds of thousands of precisely shaped and located hollow channels, it is desirable to assess the feasibility of a variety of capillary geometries for a new application without physically constructing the optic. This assessment requires increasingly sophisticated modeling capability as new applications with more stringent requirements are developed. Previous analysis has shown that high-energy applications such as hard x-ray astronomy and medical imaging are particularly sensitive to optic profile errors such as channel waviness. A more physical model for surface waviness has been developed and included in optics simulations. The results are compared to measured data and to the results of other numerical simulation programs. Directed digital mammography can avail itself the advantages of digital processing, including tolerance to under- and over-exposure and image enhancement. In addition, a new technology, polycapillary optics, has been shown to produce clearer image by increasing contrast and resolution. Capillary optics, consisting a array of hollow glass tubes, is a relatively new technology for controlling x-ray beams. Thousands of individual capillary fiber can be strung together to form a multifiber optic. These arrays of curve polycapillary fiber can be used to focus, collimate, and filter x-ray radiation. A number of borrosilicate glass capillary fibers have been measured and simulated in the energy range 10-80 keV. The result shown potential for mammography applications, with transmission of 70% at 20 keV.

A comprehensive introduction to liquid crystals and their computer simulations suitable for students, researchers and industrial scientists.

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