Fluorescence EXAFS at the SRS: increased sensitivity for dilute samples

A fluorescence detection system, consisting of five scintillation detectors has been commissioned on the first EXAFS Station, 7.1, of the Daresbury Synchrotron Radiation Source (SRS). This system measures the X-ray absorption spectrum by recording the X-ray fluorescence excitation spectrum of specimens containing a small number of metal atoms with absorption edges between 0.1 nm and 0.31 nm. The present fluorescence system, its increased sensitivity over absorption, and the present detection limits are described.