1 - Principles of Mössbauer spectroscopy

Summary

Introduction

Mössbauer spectroscopy has now established itself as a technique which can provide valuable information in many areas of science. This book sets out to consider the unique contribution of Mössbauer spectroscopy in terms of the specific information it can give to the study of the bonding, structural, magnetic, time-dependent and dynamical properties of various systems. Accordingly, each of the following chapters is devoted to a detailed consideration of one fundamental aspect of the total information that can be provided by Mössbauer spectroscopy. It is intended that by adopting this approach the book will provide an overview and appraisal of the technique that will be of value both to the experienced practitioner who has perhaps worked in one particular area of the technique, and also to the newcomer or student who needs to see the technique in its proper context. It is also hoped that those working in other areas of science may find this book a helpful guide in relating information obtained from Mössbauer spectroscopy with that derived from other techniques and also in evaluating the potential value of Mössbauer spectroscopy for providing information relevant to their particular problems and systems.