X-ray coherent scattering in metal physics

In a coherent x-ray scattering experiment, interference of the waves diffracted across the sample is observed. This gives a speckle pattern in the observed scattering intensity, whereas a standard experiment leads to diffuse intensity or to broadening of a Bragg peak. Speckles correspond to the disorder configuration of the irradiated volume and their dynamics provide microscopic information of the time evolution of the sample microstructure. a brief description of the techniques used for the observation of speckles in an x-ray experiment, some examples of measured time dynamics are given. These concern reversible fluctuations and irreversible decomposition of unmixing or ordering alloys. A few experiments in defect imaging are described and the studies opened by free electron lasers are briefly discussed.