Title: Nuclear resonant spectroscopy
Author(s): Wolfgang Sturhahn
Publication date: 11 February 2004 Volume: 16 Start page: S497
Publication: Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter
URL: http://stacks.iop.org/0953-8984/16/S497

Abstract: Nuclear resonant scattering techniques with synchrotron radiation (SR) are introduced on a basic level. We focus on the theoretical background and on experimental aspects of two popular methods with a widening range of applications, nuclear resonant inelastic x-ray scattering and synchrotron Mössbauer spectroscopy. The inelastic method provides specific vibrational information, e.g., the phonon density of states. The Mössbauer method permits determination of hyperfine interactions. All nuclear resonance techniques take full advantage of the unique properties of SR: intensity, collimation, time structure, and polarization. As a result both methods discussed here have led to novel applications for materials under extreme conditions, proteins with biological functionality, and magnetic nanostructures.