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Wavelenghts and energy spectra of neutrons comply with
atom spacings and at the same time with characteristic energy spectra
in condensed matter. Neutrons can be used to tell where atoms are how they move.
To investigate structure and dynamics of condensed matter on the microscopic scale in space and time,
two prerequisites have to be met: the measuring mehtod needs to resolve the spacial structure at the size of atomic spacings
and at the same time show the changes during time intervals that are in the same range as atomic or molecular processes.
This can be achieved by neutrons: neutrons have energy E (frequences ν) in the order of magnitude
as typical lattice axcitations energies (meV) (excitation frequencies) and wavelenghts
λ in the order of magnitude of atomic spacing. The graph shows the connection of frequency and wavelength
of electromagnetic radiation (ν=c/λ):
Source:
Lecture script "Collective Motion" by Prof. G. Eckold
Neutrons help to understand structures on a wide size range: from the wave function of the hydrogen atom
to macromolecules.
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