X-ray absorption spectroscopy using synchrotron radiation
Analysis of smalt discoloration in paintings by X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Today, synchrotron radiation (SR) is frequently used to study matter in all its states (solid, liquid or gaseous). The ever-increasing number of SR centers around the world has brought spectroscopic techniques into widespread use on all types of materials.

SR is the emission of light produced by relativistic charged particles (electrons or positrons) circulating in a storage ring (a succession of curved and straight sections) and subjected to centripetal accelerations. As they circulate, these particles are deflected from their trajectory by magnetic fields produced by bending magnets (curved sections), undulators or wigglers (straight sections). Each time their trajectory is altered, the particles lose energy, producing...