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Obtaining sub-10 pm spatial resolution by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy is required in many important fields of research, such as lattice distortion studies in colossal magnetic resistance materials, high-temperature superconductivity materials etc. However, based on the existing EXAFS data analysis methods, EXAFS has a spatial resolution limit of π/2Δκ which is larger than 0.1 Å. In this paper a new data analysis method which can easily achieve sub-10 pm resolution is introduced. Theoretically, the resolution limit of the method is three times better than that normally available. The method is examined by numerical simulation and experimental data. As a demonstration, the LaFe1-xCrxO3 system (x = 0, 1/3, 2/3) is studied and the structural information of FeO6 octahedral distortion as a function of Cr doping is resolved directly from EXAFS, where a resolution better than 0.074 Å is achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile heating cell has been designed for in situ transmittance and fluorescence X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements up to 1273 K under vacuum or an inert atmosphere. These high temperatures are achieved using a tantalum heating element by ohmic heating. Because of the small specific heat capacity, the temperature can be changed in a matter of minutes from room temperature to high temperature. Furthermore, a commercial power controller was adapted to provide stable temperature control. The construction of the heat shielding system provides a novel approach to reducing the beam's path length and the cell's size. The cell is inexpensive and easy to build. Its performance was evaluated by in situ XAS measurements of the temperature-dependent structure of ceria nanocrystals. Some preliminary results for the structural mechanism in ceria nanocrystal redox applications are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the measurement of differential X-ray absorption fine structure (DiffEXAFS). It mentions that measurements are determined through the modulation of high pressure with the help of dynamic diamond anvil cells. It mentions that the results reveal sensitivity to atomic displacements in higher magnitudes than conventional EXAFS.

Peptide deformylase (PDF, EC 3.5.1.27) is essential for the normal growth of eubacterium but not for mammalians. Recently, PDF has been studied as a target for new antibiotics. Its activity is strongly dependent on the bound metal ion. The crystallographic studies did not show any significant structural difference upon various bound metal ions. In this paper, X-ray absorption spectroscopy was employed to determine the local structure around the zinc ion of PDF from Leptospira interrogans in dry powder. XANES (X-ray absorption near-edge structure) calculations were performed and the local geometry of the active center was reconstructed successfully. By comparing with the crystal structure of an enzyme-product complex, the results from calculations show that a water molecule has moved towards the zinc ion and lies in the distance range to coordinate with the zinc ion weakly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]