Node 2: X-ray and electronic emission spectroscopies: XAS, XANES, EXAFS, EMS, Auger, PIXE

X-ray Absorption Fine Structure is the dominant activity of Australian synchrotron research, and is used for investigating local structure, chemical ionization state, radial electron densities, chemical reactions, and biomedical structural determinations using multiple-wavelength Anomalous Dispersion (MAD). The new technique of absolute XAFS, pioneered by Australia, providing accuracies two orders of magnitude greater than past work and will have direct application for biological and other applied investigations via this network over the next five years (Chantler, Barnea, Ridgway, Creagh, Tran, Ryan, Williams, Leckey and Johnson to name a few). Overseas, much work is being done by Young, Southworth, Sullivan and Cookson in related areas.

In biochemical sciences, X-ray absorption spectroscopy is used to characterize inorganic anti-cancer agents, in the development of anti-inflammatory drugs and in the study and management of toxic agents and carcinogens.

Study of metal centres in inorganic complexes is used to investigate the activity of metallo-enzymes, and to monitor the charge or oxidation state of the centre throughout a chemical reaction.

In mining applications, X-ray absorption spectroscopy is used to determine the metal content of ores, and may used to enhance the efficiency with which economically viable ore-deposits are identified and ultimately exploited.

In the development of new materials, X-ray absorption spectroscopy is used to determine geometrical and structural parameters in nanoscale particles, the detection of ultra-dilute samples, monitoring real-time processes using time-resolved methods.

In conjunction with electron beam ion trap devices, X-ray absorption spectroscopy continues its historical role as a sensitive probe of our understanding of fundamental processes.