Book review

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Synchrotron Radiation: Earth, Environmental and Materials Sciences Applications By G.S. Henderson and D. R. Baker (Editors). Volume 30 in the Short Course Series of the Mineralogical Association of Canada. Pp. 178. Ottawa, Canada. 2002. Price: $40 (paperback). ISBN 0921294301. Search PubMedSynchrotron radiation (SR) is generated when the trajectory of accelerated electrons, with a speed close to that of the speed of light, is bent by means of powerful magnets. The radiation is very intense and covers the full electromagnetic range, i.e., from the far infrared to the hard X-ray region. Starting to become accepted as a scientific tool in the 1970s, currently the research that employs SR is growing exponentially, with over 55 SR sources being planned, built or operational in 22 countries all over the world.

The material presented in this volume attempts to introduce to the general earth science community some of the basics of synchrotron radiation-based research. Although the most important literature on the various areas discussed is included, it is not intended as a comprehensive review of all aspects of the techniques mentioned. Instead, it covers the basics of SR research at a level suitable for those interested in starting to perform SR experiments as part of their own research.

Chapters 1 and 2 cover the physics of synchrotron radiation and storage rings in general; the newly built Canadian Light Source (CLS), Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, is described as a concrete example. In Chapter 3, diffraction experiments conducted with SR are discussed, including both powder and single crystal studies. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (EXAFS—Extended X-ray absorption fine structure, and XANES—X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy) is introduced to the novice user in Chapter 4, including a description of data reduction procedures. In Chapter 5, the experimental capabilities of the X-ray microprobe are outlined by using geological materials as examples. Such a facility allows a combination of micro-XRF (X-ray fluorescence), micro-XAS and imaging measurements to be performed. The use of synchrotron-based photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) in the context of mineralogical and geochemical studies is discussed in Chapter 6. Finally, Chapter 7 discusses synchrotron experiments on amorphous materials.

The chapter authors and editors of this volume are all affiliated to Canadian research institutes and universities. In my opinion, they are to be complimented as they have succeeded in finding exactly the right level to introduce a rapidly expanding series of related analytical techniques to the analytical community. In most chapters, the theoretical basics of the methods are concisely described, allowing for a general understanding of the underlying principles but without excessive physical detail. Similarly, the salient features of the instrumental components are succinctly mentioned and the specific adaptations necessary for their use at a synchrotron explained. Whereas many recent papers describing geological, environmental and materials science applications of the techniques can be found in the reference lists, the results actually discussed in detail are carefully selected so as to provide the reader with the maximum insight into the concrete possibilities of the techniques in the various above-mentioned fields. This volume can therefore be regarded as a very useful introductory document for natural scientists who are contemplating starting to employ SR in their own research in these fields.

Koen Janssens
Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Belgium

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