Neutrons probing the structure and dynamics of liquids

This article illustrates the benefits of neutron techniques to the understanding of the liquid state. As opposed to the nearly complete order of crystals or the nearly complete disorder of gases, a liquidʹs disorder is partial and results from dynamical events acting on a broad range of space and time scales. Consequently, no single, simple parameter can encompass the concept of order or disorder in the liquid state. The wide variety of neutron techniques (diffraction, quasi-elastic and inelastic scattering) is a key asset to solve the issue. Selected studies ranging over typical interactions and conditions relevant to liquids (metallic, covalent, molecular, liquids near a phase transition and confined fluids) are presented. In each case, both structural and dynamical aspects, along with the connections to complementary techniques (computer simulation, X-ray absorption and/or scattering) are highlighted. To cite this article: F. Leclercq-Hugeux et al., C. R. Physique 8 (2007).