Soft. Condensed. Matter. Soft matter systems are defined as those which are structurally altered when external force of the magnitude of thermal fluctuation is applied. This definition, despite being scientifically accurate, does not do justice to the complexity and diversity of soft matter mattery systems.
Soft. Condensed. Matter. It includes biomaterials, polymers, nanoparticles, emulsions, surfactants, and many other building blocks. Understanding and controlling soft matter systems, is key for technological progress and for the transition to a sustainable society: detergents, food additives, lubricants, foams, coatings, are examples of soft matter systems.
Soft. Condensed. Matter. The low energy required to trigger structural, and thereby functional changes in soft matter systems makes them the most suited ingredients for many responsive systems. These systems are characterized by a complex energetic landscape, and often by ill-defined structures.
In this contribution, through a series of examples, the use and potential of neutron scattering, and reflectometry is illustrated. The examples aim at covering the broad domain of soft matter science probed at the Institut Laue-Langevin.