extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS)

Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) is a technique used in chemistry and materials science to study the local environment around atoms in a sample. When X-rays hit the atoms, some are absorbed, and this absorption reveals details about the types of neighboring atoms and their distances from the absorbing atom. By analyzing the patterns of X-ray absorption, scientists can gather information about the arrangement and interactions of atoms in various materials, helping to understand their properties and behaviors at the molecular level. EXAFS is particularly useful for characterizing complex materials like catalysts and biomolecules.