Inelastic neutron and X-ray scattering experiments on surfaces and interfaces are a challenging topic in modern physics. Particular interest arises regarding surfaces and interfaces of soft matter and biological systems. We review both neutron and x-ray spectroscopic techniques with view at their applicability to these samples. We discuss the different methods, namely neutron triple-axis, backscattering and spin-echo spectroscopy as well as x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy, in the context of planar lipid membrane models as an example. By the combination of the different methods, a large range in momentum and energy transfer is accessible.
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