CHARACTERIZATION OF IRON-OXIDES BY XAS AT THE FE L-2,L-3 AND O-K-EDGES

alpha-Fe2O3, FeO and Fe3O4 compounds are characterized by X-ray Absorp tion Spectroscopy (XAS). The experimental Fe L-2,L-3 spectra are accou nted for thanks to a configuration interaction calculation (CI). The c ontributions of the various iron site symmetries and valencies are dis criminated and the nature of insulating gap is deduced for each compou nd. The oxygen K-edge spectra are successfully interpreted by full mul tiple scattering (MS) calculations. Using increasing cluster sizes aro und the excited atom in the MS simulations, the features present on th e spectra of each iron oxide are linked to its specific atomic arrange ment and electronic structure.