Modern solid state physics goes far beyond a phenomenological description and bases the understanding of solid state properties and phenomena on atomistic theories. To obtain information about the atomic structure of solids, probes with sub-nanometer spatial resolution are needed. To study the excitation spectra, an appropriate energy resolution is necessary in addition. All these requirements can be met by scattering methods. In this sense, scattering methods provide the basis of our present understanding of the structure, excitations and phase transitions of condensed matter on a microscopic level.

At the Institute for Scattering Methods (ISM), synchrotron x-ray scattering and neutron scattering are employed for the investigation of condensed matter on an atomistic microscopic level. The emphasis lies on exploiting fully the complementarity of the two probes. Besides the application of scattering methods to solid state problems, major activities are concentrated on the methodology. This includes the further development of experimental techniques by improving instrument components and data treatment algorithms, the development of new experimental methods and the corresponding instruments and the development, construction and operation of scattering instruments at large-scale facilities. At present, ISM operates five instruments at the research reactor DIDO of the Research Center Jülich and two instruments at the Hamburger Synchrotronstrahlungslabor HASYLAB. In addition, we participate in the operation of a sector at the Advanced Photon Source APS in Argonne, USA. These instruments are open for the use by external groups from universities, research centers and industry. The instrument responsibles from ISM provide scientific and technical support during the experiment and the data processing. In order to secure the future of European neutron research, ISM made a strong commitment to the European Spallation Source project. Besides development of novel instrument concepts, ISM took the lead in research and development for the "heart of the ESS", the target and moderator block.

ISM is open for all research areas in condensed matter science, where scattering methods can be applied. At present, the research activities are concentrated in the fields: "solid state magnetism", "correlated electron systems", "magnetic nanostructures", "structural and magnetic disorder", "novel materials" and "ultrathin liquid films". For the purpose of this research, ISM is also engaged in sample preparation (e.g. by molecular beam epitaxy and single crystal growth) and characterisation (e.g. resistivity, AC and DC susceptibility and magnetisation measurements).