High-energy X-ray absorption spectroscopy at ESRF BM29

The availability of third generation synchrotron sources now allows the routine performance of EXAFS investigations using K absorption edges occurring above 30 keV. Measurements made at absorption edges in the energy range 40 keV to 70 keV using the EXAFS beamline BM 29 of the ESRF have demonstrated a great potential for high resolution structural studies. The effect of the core-hole lifetime broadening, though apparent, is found to be manageable if high quality data are acquired over the large L-range accessible for heavy element K absorption edges. Examples are presented for the Eu ii-edge and the W K-edge, demonstrating clear advantages for structural investigations over those conventionally performed at the LIII absorption edge.