About the method

What is Mössbauer spectroscopy and how can we help you?

Mössbauer spectroscopy of local atomic probes (⁵⁷Fe and ¹¹⁹Sn isotopes) allows for characterization of their nuclear state and the effect of the surrounding environment on the nuclear state via hyperfine interactions. In addition to Mössbauer spectroscopy (in a transmission mode, as conversion electron and conversion X-ray MS), we combine techniques of structure analysis (X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy) with studies of magnetic properties (SQUID), distribution of hyperfine fields from nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of magnetically ordered state and, where feasible, also with DFT calculations to provide information on relevant physical and chemical properties of the studied material. The typical fields that take advantage of MS extreme sensitivity are fine chemistry, material science, mineralogy, geology, metallurgy, engineering, ecology, and drug development. We actively cooperate with other research institutions and companies in the scientific collaborative or contract regimes.

A typical application of Mössbauer spectroscopy is to:

• determine phase composition of samples containing various compounds of iron/tin or iron/tin-based alloys
• determine the oxidation state of iron/tin
• determine the magnetic state and ordering, structural and magnetic transitions
• identify corrosion or catalysis products
• study structural and magnetic defects induced by increased temperature (e.g. annealing), pressure, processing, radiation or biogenic damage
• differentiate surface layer properties in comparison to bulk
• and many others

Samples:

• crystallites and polycrystalline powders (minimum weight ~10 mg)
• foils (width 1-100 μm, area of few square mms)
• ingots
• supported layers
• suspensions