Resonant X-ray Diffraction under optimized destructive interference for highly sensitive determination of phase-resolved site-selective atomic displacements in crystalline materials

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Dirk Carl Meyer
• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics ; Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry
• Term: from 2016 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 324641898

The project aims at the methodical enhancement of Resonant X-ray Diffraction towards highly sensitive, phase-resolved determination of atomic displacements within the ideal structure of a crystal. These deviations of atomic positions will be characterized both in low-dimensional systems and under external influences like temperature, mechanical stress as well as electric and magnetic fields. Tuning to maximal destructive interference by means of varying the incident X-ray photon energy attains the essential increase of sensitivity. The method will be verified for selected ternary and quaternary oxides, which are in prime focus of current research. Theoretical first-principle modelling will support the interpretation of the experimentally determined deviations and ensure physio-chemical conclusiveness. An experimental characterization method with extreme accuracy in terms of phase-resolved atomic displacements in crystalline structures is expected from this project.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigator: Professor Dr. Matthias Zschornak