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Electronic structure and magnetism

last modified 16-11-2011 18:42

Beamlines

ID08 Dragon — soft X-ray beamline for polarization-dependant studies
ID12 Circular polarisation
ID20 Magnetic scattering
(Closed May 2011)
BM23 X-ray absorption spectroscopy
(upgrade beamline replacing BM29)
ID24 Energy dispersive X-ray absorption spectroscopy beamline
ID06 Internal techniques and instruments test beamline
Snapshots for all in Find a Beamline pages

Associated facilities

Standard support facilities are available to users.

		Nick Brookes ESM Group Leader +33 (0)4 76 88 24 39 email

		Sakura Pascarelli ESM Group Deputy +33 (0)4 76 88 21 47 email

Synopsis

The Electronic Structure and Magnetism (ESM) group supports studies of the structural arrangement of atoms and the configuration of the electronic states in material. Beamline facilities are specialized for local and long-range structural and spectroscopic X-ray methods. The introduction to the group's chapter in the annual ESRF Highlights gives an overview of some recent accomplishments.

The principle areas of study are the magnetic, chemical and electronic properties of materials. Of particular importance is in understanding the interplay of electronic (charge, spin, orbital) degrees of freedom and their relation to the structure. This dependence is closely related to the functionality of the material, be it catalytic, chemical, magnetic or electrical. The fields of research include catalysis, chemistry, correlated materials, dynamics, electronic structure, geochemistry, geophysics, magnetism, optical activity, physics, reaction kinetics, superconductivity etc.

Techniques

The group supports a range of specialized techniques, which fall under the following general headings:

X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Diffraction
X-ray magnetic scattering

X-ray emission spectroscopy

Photoelectron spectroscopy

Extreme conditions, including pressure, temperature, and magnetic fields

A detailed list is available on the techniques page.

Industrial applications

The ESRF’s mission includes interacting with and supporting European industry. Synchrotron X-rays permit analysis of industrial products under real conditions of manufacture and use, often in real time. Some examples of applications at this group's beamlines include:

Determination of sulphur speciation in oils
In situ studies of chemical processes and changes in functional materials (such as automotive catalysts), on time scales of minutes to milliseconds.

Some representative publications from previous industrial use indicate the range of capabilities.

The individuals listed above and the staff of the Industrial and Commercial Unit are available to help industrial researchers identify appropriate resources at the ESRF.

In-house research

In-house research runs in parallel to beamline operation, helping us to develop and refine techniques while investigating diverse scientific areas. Areas of research are listed on our in-house research page.