What kind of distortions can XANES identify?

X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) is a powerful technique used in X-ray absorption spectroscopy that provides valuable information about the local electronic structure and coordination environment of a specific element in a sample. When discussing the types of distortions that XANES can identify, geometric distortions are of particular interest because they pertain to changes in the arrangement of atoms around a central atom, including bond lengths and angles.

Geometric distortions are critical in understanding the geometry of coordination complexes or the arrangement of atoms in solid materials. These distortions can arise from various factors, including strain in a solid-state structure, changes in oxidation states, or ligand interactions. XANES can reveal these distortions by probing the energy levels and transitions of electrons in the vicinity of the absorbing atom, which are sensitive to the local symmetry and structural arrangement.

In contrast, kinetic, magnetic, and optical distortions do not fall within the primary scope of XANES. Kinetic distortions relate to the dynamics or rates of a reaction, magnetic distortions concern variations in magnetic properties and behavior under an external magnetic field, and optical distortions relate to changes in light absorption or emission properties, which are typically not the focus of XANES analysis. Thus,