Probing Stochastic Motions in Inorganic Materials with Quasi-elastic Neutron Scattering

This chapter discusses the technique of quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) as applied to the study of stochastic motions in inorganic materials. The QENS method not only allows structure dynamics–property relationships to be explored via analysis of atomic-scale spatial and temporal scattering information, but also the separation of single-particle and collective motions using polarisation analysis. The chapter builds a theoretical foundation, considers experimental details and describes, compares, and contrasts the neutron techniques and spectrometers used for QENS experiments. The ideas presented are reinforced via a series of case studies drawn from peer reviewed works that have benefited from QENS methods. These examples aim to showcase those dynamic processes commonly encountered in inorganic systems, as well as highlight the neutron scattering signatures one might expected from such phenomena.