The low-temperature hidden-order state of URu2Si2 has long been a subject of intense speculation, and is thought to represent an as-yet-undetermined many-body quantum state not realized by other known materials. Here, x-ray absorption spectroscopy and high-resolution resonant inelastic x-ray scattering are used to observe electronic excitation spectra of URu2Si2, as a means to identify the degr...

We found direct experimental evidence for an orbital switching in the V 3d states across the metal-insulator transition in VO2. We have used soft-x-ray absorption spectroscopy at the V L2,3 edges as a sensitive local probe and have determined quantitatively the orbital polarizations. These results strongly suggest that, in going from the metallic to the insulating state, the orbital occupation ...

Despite the potential of PbS quantum dots (QDs) as sensitizers for quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs), achieving a high photocurrent density over 30 mA cm(-2) remains a challenging task in PbS-sensitized solar cells. In contrast to previous attempts, where Hg(2+)-doping or multi-step post-treatment is necessary, we are capable of achieving a high photocurrent exceeding 30 mA cm(-2) sim...

We report the generation of ultrashort, hard-x-ray pulses from a liquid mercury target irradiated by 5 kHz laser pulses. The new x-ray source is designed for time-resolved x-ray absorption spectroscopy as well as imaging applications. This marks the first laser-driven plasma x-ray source that continuously recycles the target material, facilitating maintenance-free operation. Theoretical calcula...

Using complementary experiments we show that the room temperature ferromagnetism observed in anatase Co:TiO(2) films is not carrier mediated, but coexists with the dielectric state. TEM and x-ray absorption spectroscopy reveal a solid solution of Co in anatase, where Co is not metallic but in the +2 state substituting for Ti. Measurements at 300 K yield a M(S) of 1.1 mu(B)/Co atom, while all fi...

Pressure dependence of the Ce valence in CeCu(2)Ge(2) has been measured up to 24 GPa at 300 K and to 17 GPa at 18-20 K using x-ray absorption spectroscopy in the partial fluorescence yield. A smooth increase of the Ce valence with pressure is observed across the two superconducting (SC) regions without any noticeable irregularity. The chemical pressure dependence of the Ce valence was also meas...

lithum can be de termined both by atomic absorption spectroscopy andflame emission spectroscopy. we have used the later method with a zeiss model pmqli spectro photometer fitt ed with ante-chamber atomizer and a potensiome rric line recorder. accurate ana lysis for the clement was acco mplished due to a sophisracared measuring instrument.

Wavelet analyses of tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy signals were performed. The absorption spectroscopy data were obtained by repeatedly scanning the beams from a tunable diode laser operating in the near infrared across absorption lines of gaseous NH(3) contained within a windowed glass tube. The laser was modulated and wavelet analyses of the absorption data were performed. It was...

The adsorption of ammonia on Au(111)-supported monolayers of iron phthalocyanine has been investigated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, x-ray absorption spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations. The ammonia-induced changes of the x-ray photoemission lines show that a dative bond is formed between ammonia and the iron center of the phthalocyanine molecules, and that the local...

The crystal structures and the physical (magnetic, electrical transport and thermodynamic) properties of the ternary compounds CeRhSi(2) and Ce(2)Rh(3)Si(5) (orthorhombic CeNiSi(2)- and U(2)Co(3)Si(5)-type structures, respectively) were studied over wide ranges of temperature and magnetic field strength. The results revealed that both materials are valence fluctuating systems, in line with prev...