Surface structure analysis with X-ray standing waves

Abstract

The most common and important application of the X-ray standing-wave technique is the analysis of surface adsorbates. Structural analysis can be performed element and even chemical species specific with high spatial resolution. The technique allows the investigation of low surface coverage and does not require long range order. In the present review I will present some examples. The fundamental principles and some variations of the technique and the experimental requirements are presented briefly. The quality and quantity of the information obtained from standing-wave measurements are discussed. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013.