In 2012 the diffraction community will celebrate 100 years since the prediction of X-ray diffraction by M. Laue, and following his suggestion the first beautiful diffraction experiment by W. Friedrich and P. Knipping. The significance of techniques based on the analysis of the diffraction of X-rays, neutrons, electrons and Mossbauer photons discovered later, has continued to increase in the past 100 years. The aim of this symposium is to provide a forum for discussion of using state-of-the-art neutron and X-ray scattering techniques for probing advanced materials. These techniques have been widely used to characterize materials structures across all length scales, from atomic to nano, meso, and macroscopic scales. With the development of sample environments, in-situ experiments, e.g., at temperatures and applied mechanical load, are becoming routine. The development of ultra-brilliant third-generation synchrotron X-ray sources, together with advances in X-ray optics, has created intense X-ray microbeams, which provide the best opportunities for in-depth understanding of mechanical behavior in a broad spectrum of materials. Important applications include ultra-sensitive elemental detection by X-ray fluorescence/absorption and microdiffraction to identify phase and strain with submicrometer spatial resolution. X-ray microdiffraction is a particularly exciting application compared with alternative probes of crystalline structure, orientation and strain. X-ray microdiffraction is non-destructive with good strain resolution, competitive or superior spatial resolution in thick samples, and with the ability to probe below the sample surface. Advances in neutron sources and instrumentation also bring new opportunities in neutron scattering research. In addition to characterizing the structures, neutrons are also a great tool for elucidating the dynamics of materials. Because neutrons are highly penetrating, neutrons have been used to map stress in engineering systems. Neutrons have also played a vital role in our understanding of the magnetism and magnetic properties. Specialized instruments have been built to gain physical insights of the fundamental mechanisms governing phase transformation and mechanical behaviors of materials. The application of those techniques, in combination with theoretical simulations and numerical modeling, will lead to major breakthroughs in materials science in the foreseeable future that will contribute to the development of materials technology and industrial innovation.

All papers have peer-reviewed. Neutron, especially together with X-ray scattering techniques have been showing the elegant and tremendous achievements in revealing the static and dynamic structures in the wide range of materials, i.e. alloys, ceramics, polymers, composites, and also biological materials for advanced purposes. With the intention on establishing the techniques due to the availibility of the facilities at neutron scattering laboratory in Indonesia and a light X-ray synchrotron laboratory in Singapore, then the next future works and collaborations, especially in the southeast Asian region will be strengthened and enlightened.

In these proceedings from the symposium of November-December 2004, participants describe their work in x-rays and neutrons as probes of local atomic order and dynamics, in the dynamics and structure of polymers (including a paper on large-scale morphology of dispersed layered silicates), biopolymers and composites, in x-rays and neutrons as probes of electronic and magnetic structure, novel methods and nanomaterials, and x-ray and neutron investigations of microstructure and strain, including a paper on 2D and 3D x-ray structural microscopy using submicron-resolution Laue microdiffraction. Annotation : 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).

Covering a wide range of topics related to neutron and x-ray optics, this book explores the aspects of neutron and x-ray optics and their associated background and applications in a manner accessible to both lower-level students while retaining the detail necessary to advanced students and researchers. It is a self-contained book with detailed mathematical derivations, background, and physical concepts presented in a linear fashion. A wide variety of sources were consulted and condensed to provide detailed derivations and coverage of the topics of neutron and x-ray optics as well as the background material needed to understand the physical and mathematical reasoning directly related or indirectly related to the theory and practice of neutron and x-ray optics. The book is written in a clear and detailed manner, making it easy to follow for a range of readers from undergraduate and graduate science, engineering, and medicine. It will prove beneficial as a standalone reference or as a complement to textbooks. Supplies a historical context of covered topics. Detailed presentation makes information easy to understand for researchers within or outside the field. Incorporates reviews of all relevant literature in one convenient resource.