X-ray Spectroscopy Suite for Element-Specific Characterization of Functional Materials

• Subject Area: Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: Funded in 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 580520575

We propose to establish a versatile laboratory-based X-ray Spectroscopy Suite (XSS) at Heidelberg University to facilitate high-throughput investigations and fundamental studies of emerging functional materials and model device systems in situ. This will enable rapid advances in the discovery of functional materials and their applications. The proposed XSS will comprise a laboratory-based X-ray absorption spectrometer operating in the 4-25 keV photon energy range, capable of measuring X-ray absorption near-edge spectra with high energy resolution and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) with fast acquisition rates for high throughput. This unique facility will be accessible to researchers from various disciplines, both nationally and internationally, providing a valuable resource for the broader research community. X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy is a powerful, element-specific probe of local electronic and geometric structures in materials, making it an ideal technique for studying a wide range of material states, including crystalline, amorphous, liquid, and gaseous samples. By analyzing X-ray absorption spectra, researchers can gain insights into the electronic structure, oxidation state, coordination geometry, bond lengths, atomic surroundings, and coordination numbers of a sample. At Heidelberg University, we have established expertise in synthesizing, characterizing, and studying functional materials at a fundamental level. To further our understanding of material function and discover novel material systems, it is crucial to investigate molecular, single-crystal, and bulk materials using element-specific techniques like X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy. The proposed XSS will be instrumental in unlocking new functionality for: (i) discovering novel syntheses of molecular and crystalline materials, (ii) characterizing the electronic state structure in emerging energy materials, functional magnetic materials, and quantum materials, (iii) developing innovative (transient) spectroscopic concepts in X-ray absorption spectroscopy.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Röntgenabsorptionsspektrometer für in-operando Materialcharakterisierung
• Instrumentation Group: 4030 Röntgenfluoreszenz-Spektrometer
• Applicant Institution: Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Leader: Professor Dr. Felix Deschler