DARTS for X-ray
Absorption Spectroscopy
This technique provides atomically resolved structural information about the
short range (5 Å) chemical environment of any element in either crystalline
or amorphous materials. Typical systems studied include metal ions in the environment,
catalytic intermediates, dopants in semiconductors, metals in superconductors,
ceramics, pigments, and biological systems such as metalloproteins.
X-ray spectroscopy is element specific so can provide information on the local structure around an element which is present in trace concentrations. It is non-destructive and can be used "in situ" on liquids, solids and even gases, thus real chemical processes can be followed such as those at high temperatures and pressures. It also provides some information as to the electronic state of the element whose edge is studied.
Further information about X-ray absorption spectroscopy can be found under techniques on the main SRS web page.