X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES)

X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) is a technique used to study materials by analyzing how they absorb X-rays. When X-rays hit a sample, they can knock electrons out of specific atoms. By observing the energy levels at which this occurs, scientists can gain insights into the electronic structure and chemical state of the atoms in the material. XANES is particularly useful for identifying the presence of specific elements and their oxidation states, providing valuable information about the composition and behavior of various materials in fields like chemistry, biology, and material science.