X-Ray Absorption and X-Ray Emission Spectroscopy. Theory and Applications

A clear-cut introduction to the technique and applications of x-ray absorption spectroscopy X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy is being applied to a widening set of disciplines. Applications started with solid state physics and grew to materials science, chemistry, biochemistry and geology. Now, they cut across engineering materials, environmental science and national heritage – providing very detailed and useful information facilitating understanding and development of materials. This practical guide helps investigators choose the right experiment, carry it out properly and analyze the data to give the best reliable result. It gives readers insights to extract what they need from the world of large-scale experimental facilities like synchrotrons, which seem distant to many laboratory scientists. X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy for the Chemical and Materials Sciences seeks to educate readers about the strengths and limitations of the techniques, including their accessibility. Presented in six sections, it offers chapters that cover: an introduction to X-ray absorption fine structure XAFS; the basis of XAFS; X-ray sources; experimental methods; data analysis and simulation methods; and case studies. A no-nonsense introduction to the technique and applications of x-ray absorption spectroscopy Features Questions to support learning through the book Relevant to all working on synchrotron sources and applications in physics, materials, environment/geology and biomedical materials Four-color representation allows easy interpretation of images and data for the reader X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy for the Chemical and Materials Sciences is aimed at Masters-level and PhD students embarking on X-ray spectroscopy projects as well as scientists in areas of materials characterization.

Provides comprehensive coverage  on using X-ray fluorescence for laboratory applications   This book focuses on the practical aspects of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy and discusses the requirements for a successful sample analysis, such as sample preparation, measurement techniques and calibration, as well as the quality of the analysis results.  X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Laboratory Applications  begins with a short overview of the physical fundamentals of the generation of  X -rays and their interaction with the sample material, followed by a presentation of the different methods of sample preparation in dependence on the quality of the source material and the objective of the measurement. After a short description of the different available equipment types and their respective performance, the book provides in-depth information on the choice of the optimal measurement conditions and the processing of the measurement results. It covers instrument types for XRF; acquisition and evaluation of X-Ray spectra; analytical errors; analysis of homogeneous materials, powders, and liquids; special applications of XRF; process control and automation.  An important resource for the analytical chemist, providing concrete guidelines and support for everyday analyses Focuses on daily laboratory work with commercially available devices Offers a unique compilation of knowledge and best practices from equipment manufacturers and users Covers the entire work process: sample preparation, the actual measurement, data processing, assessment of uncertainty, and accuracy of the obtained results  X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Laboratory Applications  appeals to analytical chemists, analytical laboratories, materials scientists, environmental chemists, chemical engineers, biotechnologists, and pharma engineers.

This book provides a pedagogical and comprehensive introduction to graph theory and its applications. It contains all the standard basic material and develops significant topics and applications, such as: colorings and the timetabling problem, matchings and the optimal assignment problem, and Hamiltonian cycles and the traveling salesman problem, to name but a few. Exercises at various levels are given at the end of each chapter, and a final chapter presents a few general problems with hints for solutions, thus providing the reader with the opportunity to test and refine their knowledge on the subject. An appendix outlines the basis of computational complexity theory, in particular the definition of NP-completeness, which is essential for algorithmic applications.

Unique in its comprehensive coverage of not only theoretical methods but also applications in computational spectroscopy, this ready reference and handbook compiles the developments made over the last few years, from single molecule studies to the simulation of clusters and the solid state, from organic molecules to complex inorganic systems and from basic research to commercial applications in the area of environment relevance. In so doing, it covers a multitude of apparatus-driven technologies, starting with the common and traditional spectroscopic methods, more recent developments (THz), as well as rather unusual methodologies and systems, such as the prediction of parity violation, rare gas HI complexes or theoretical spectroscopy of the transition state. With its summarized results of so many different disciplines, this timely book will be of interest to newcomers to this hot topic while equally informing experts about developments in neighboring fields.

An overview of recent developments in the field of first-order phase transitions, which may be considered a continuation of the previous work 'Aggregation Phenomena in Complex Systems', covering work done and discussed since then. Each chapter features a different aspect of the field written by international specialists, and covers such topics as nucleation and crystallization kinetic of silicate glasses, nucleation in concentration gradients, the determination of coefficients of emission of nucleation theory, diamonds from vitreous carbon.

Cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) is a simple, highly sensitive direct absorption technique based on the rate of absorption of light circulating in an optical cavity. CRDS can be used to study atoms and molecules in the gas and condensed phase, and is especially powerful for measuring strong absorptions of species present in trace amounts or weak absorptions of abundant species. The technique can be applied in physical, atmospheric, environmental and analytical chemistry, also combustion science, physics, medical diagnostics and biology Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy: Techniques and Applications provides a practical overview of this valuable analytical tool, explaining the fundamental concepts and experimental methods, and illustrating important applications. The book presents a complete and methodical approach to the topic and describes: Introductory concepts and basic experimental techniques Useful variants such as continuous wave, phase shift, and broadband CRDS Recent developments in the field, and key applications, for example, spectroscopic studies of transient molecules, monitoring trace amounts of atmospheric species, analysis of exhaled breath in clinical diagnostics, and CRDS under extreme conditions. Designed as both an introductory text and a reference source, this book is relevant for scientists unfamiliar with CRDS who are interested in using the technique in their research, as well as experienced users.

The Second Edition of Practical Gamma-Ray Spectrometry has been completely revised and updated, providing comprehensive coverage of the whole gamma-ray detection and spectrum analysis processes. Drawn on many years of teaching experience to produce this uniquely practical volume, issues discussed include the origin of gamma-rays and the issue of quality assurance in gamma-ray spectrometry. This new edition also covers the analysis of decommissioned nuclear plants, computer modelling systems for calibration, uncertainty measurements in QA, and many more topics.

A hands-on guide to image registration theory and methods—with examples of a wide range of real-world applications Theory and Applications of Image Registration offers comprehensive coverage of feature-based image registration methods. It provides in-depth exploration of an array of fundamental issues, including image orientation detection, similarity measures, feature extraction methods, and elastic transformation functions. Also covered are robust parameter estimation, validation methods, multi-temporal and multi-modality image registration, methods for determining the orientation of an image, methods for identifying locally unique neighborhoods in an image, methods for detecting lines in an image, methods for finding corresponding points and corresponding lines in images, registration of video images to create panoramas, and much more. Theory and Applications of Image Registration provides readers with a practical guide to the theory and underpinning principles. Throughout the book numerous real-world examples are given, illustrating how image registration can be applied to problems in various fields, including biomedicine, remote sensing, and computer vision. Also provided are software routines to help readers develop their image registration skills. Many of the algorithms described in the book have been implemented, and the software packages are made available to the readers of the book on a companion website. In addition, the book: Explores the fundamentals of image registration and provides a comprehensive look at its multi-disciplinary applications Reviews real-world applications of image registration in the fields of biomedical imaging, remote sensing, computer vision, and more Discusses methods in the registration of long videos in target tracking and 3-D reconstruction Addresses key research topics and explores potential solutions to a number of open problems in image registration Includes a companion website featuring fully implemented algorithms and image registration software for hands-on learning Theory and Applications of Image Registration is a valuable resource for researchers and professionals working in industry and government agencies where image registration techniques are routinely employed. It is also an excellent supplementary text for graduate students in computer science, electrical engineering, software engineering, and medical physics.