K-edge absorption spectroscopy

K-edge absorption spectroscopy is a technique used to analyze the inner electronic structure of elements within a material. When X-rays of specific energies are directed at a sample, they can excite core electrons (specifically, K-shell electrons) to higher energy levels or eject them. The "K-edge" is the specific energy at which this absorption sharply increases. By measuring how the material absorbs X-rays around this edge, scientists can identify and quantify the presence of particular elements and gain insights into their chemical state and environment in the material.