Nuclear_resonance_vibrational_spectroscopy
Nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopy is a synchrotron-based technique that probes vibrational energy levels. The technique, often called NRVS, is specific for samples that contain nuclei that respond to Mössbauer spectroscopy, most commonly iron. The method exploits the high resolution offered by synchrotron light sources, which enables the resolution of vibrational fine structure, especially those vibrations that are coupled to the position of the Fe centre(s).[1][2] The method is popularly applied to problems in bioinorganic chemistry,[3] materials science, and geophysics. A novel aspect of the method is the ability to determine the 3D-trajectory of iron atoms within vibrational modes, providing a unique appraisal of DFT-prediction accuracy.[4] Other names for this method include nuclear inelastic scattering (NIS), nuclear inelastic absorption (NIA), nuclear resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (NRIXS), and phonon assisted Mössbauer effect.