The molecular adsorption states of NO on Ru(0001) have been investigat
ed using near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) measuremen
ts of the oxygen and nitrogen K-edge. Four different molecular states
were identified by the sigma-resonance position. Assuming that a linea
r relation between the variation of this resonance position and the ch
ange in the intramolecular bond length holds, values for the NO bond l
engths in the various molecular adsorption states were derived.