Future probes in materials science

Advancements in condensed matter science have been primarily driven by the discovery and refinement of new materials and innovative approaches to characterization tools. There are many examples where advances in spectroscopic techniques including electron and magnetic resonance, new and more accessible approaches to phase space (pressure, magnetic fields and temperature), and the development of major facilities, specifically photon and neutron sources have profoundly impacted the development and accelerated the advancement of condensed matter sciences. The importance that nations attach to future probes for materials sciences is reflected worldwide in the major investments being made in both large facilities and researcher driven instrumentation development. Within this presentation, several instrument areas are reviewed and opportunities for the development of future probes for materials science are discussed. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.