[en] Valence photoionization of N₂ has been performed with high-brilliance vacuum ultraviolet radiation at hν=38.5±0.2 eV from the free-electron laser at Hamburg (FLASH). As a function of fluence, saturation of photoionization occurs due to the depletion of the ground-state molecular target within each femtosecond radiation pulse. With increasing fluence, the vibrational envelope of the valence photoionization spectral distribution experiences radiation-field-induced changes

[en] We demonstrate the feasibility of Near Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy on solids by means of femtosecond soft x-ray pulses from a free-electron laser (FEL). Our experiments, carried out at the Free-Electron Laser at Hamburg (FLASH), used a special sample geometry, spectrographic energy dispersion, single shot position-sensitive detection and a data normalization procedure that eliminates the severe fluctuations of the incident intensity in space and photon energy. As an example we recorded the ³D₁ N_4,5-edge absorption resonance of La³⁺-ions in LaMnO₃. Our study opens the door for x-ray absorption measurements on future x-ray FEL facilities.

[en] We demonstrate the feasibility of near edge x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy on solids by means of femtosecond soft x-ray pulses from a free-electron laser (FEL). Our experiments, carried out at the FEL at Hamburg used a special sample geometry, spectrographic energy dispersion, single shot position-sensitive detection, and a data normalization procedure that eliminates the severe fluctuations of the incident intensity in space and photon energy. As an example, we recorded the ³D₁ N_4,5 edge absorption resonance of La³⁺ ions in LaMnO₃. Our study opens the door for x-ray absorption measurements on future x-ray FEL facilities.

[en] We have performed core level photoelectron spectroscopy on a W(110) single crystal with femtosecond XUV pulses from the free-electron laser at Hamburg (FLASH). We demonstrate experimentally and through theoretical modelling that for a suitable range of photon fluences per pulse, time-resolved photoemission experiments on solid surfaces are possible. Using FLASH pulses in combination with a synchronized optical laser, we have performed femtosecond time-resolved core-level photoelectron spectroscopy and observed sideband formation on the W 4f lines indicating a cross correlation between femtosecond optical and XUV pulses

[en] Using X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the Cd M-edge, we have investigated chemically prepared colloidal CdSe/CdS core/shell nanoparticles. The Cd 3d features originating from CdSe and CdS could be separated. From the intensity ratio of the CdSe and CdS contributions, we determined the core and shell thickness for two different sizes

[en] We have investigated the adsorption of benzene on oriented single-domain Si(001)-(2x1) surfaces at room temperature by means of fully polarization-resolved near-edge x-ray-absorption fine-structure (NEXAFS) experiments. The present study reveals that benzene chemisorbs in a stable cyclohexadienelike configuration, labeled as a 'butterfly' in the literature, which is di-σ bonded to silicon atoms

[en] We have studied the spectral features of resonant inelastic x-ray scattering of condensed ethylene with vibrational selectivity both experimentally and theoretically. Purely vibrational spectral loss features and coupled electronic and vibrational losses are observed. The one-step theory for resonant soft x-ray scattering is applied, taking multiple vibrational modes and vibronic coupling into account. Our investigation of ethylene underlines that the assignment of spectral features observed in resonant inelastic x-ray scattering of polyatomic systems requires an explicit description of the coupled electronic and vibrational loss features

[en] We have investigated the geometry and electronic structure of two different types of self-aligned silicon nanoribbons (SiNRs), forming either isolated SiNRs or a self-assembled 5 × 2/5 × 4 grating on an Ag(110) substrate, by scanning tunnelling microscopy and high resolution x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. At room temperature we further adsorb on these SiNRs either atomic or molecular hydrogen. The hydrogen absorption process and hydrogenation mechanism are similar for isolated or 5 × 2/5 × 4 ordered SiNRs and are not site selective; the main difference arises from the fact that the isolated SiNRs are more easily attacked and destroyed faster. In fact, atomic hydrogen strongly interacts with any Si atoms, modifying their structural and electronic properties, while molecular hydrogen has first to dissociate. Hydrogen finally etches the Si nanoribbons and their complete removal from the Ag(110) surface could eventually be expected. (paper)

[en] We present a dynamic interpretation of resonant x-ray Raman scattering where vibrationally selective excitation into molecular resonances has been employed in comparison with excitation into higher lying continuum states for condensed ethylene and benzene as molecular model systems. In order to describe the purely vibrational spectral loss features and coupled electronic and vibrational losses the one-step theory for resonant soft x-ray scattering is applied, taking multiple vibrational modes and vibronic coupling into account. The scattering profile is found to be strongly excitation energy dependent and to reflect the intermediate states dynamics of the scattering process. In particular, the purely vibrational loss features allow one to map the electronic ground state potential energy surface in light of the excited state dynamics. Our study of ethylene and benzene underlines the necessity of an explicit description of the coupled electronic and vibrational loss features for the assignment of spectral features observed in resonant x-ray Raman scattering at polyatomic systems, which can be done in both a time independent and a time dependent picture. The possibility to probe ground state vibrational properties opens a perspective to future applications of this photon-in-photon-out spectroscopy

[en] Highlights: • The respective electronic structure of synthetic and natural kaolinite is compared. • The size of the band gap and thus many important material properties are defined by defect states in the band gap. • The oxygen-based defect states are identified and analyzed. • The band gap of kaolinite decreases significantly due to the forming of defects. - Abstract: By combining X-ray absorption spectroscopy and first principles calculations we have determined the electronic structure of synthetic and natural kaolinite as a model system for engineered and natural clay materials. We have analyzed defect states in the band gap and find that both natural and synthetic kaolinite contain defects where oxygen replaces hydrogen in one of the Al (0 0 1)-hydroxyl groups of the kaolinite clay sheets. The band gap of both synthetic and natural kaolinite is found to decrease by about 3.2 eV as this defect is formed