near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS)

Near Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS) is a technique that uses X-rays to examine the electronic structure of materials at the atomic level. When X-rays hit a sample, they excite core electrons in atoms to higher energy states. By analyzing how absorption varies near specific energy edges, scientists can identify the types of atoms present, their chemical bonds, and their local environment. NEXAFS provides detailed insights into a material's composition, bonding, and structure, making it valuable in chemistry, physics, and materials science for understanding and designing advanced materials.