The iron L edges: Fe 2p X-ray absorption and electron energy loss spectroscopy

Some of the important theoretical concepts in the analysis of L edges are discussed, including atomic multiplet theory, crystal field theory, charge transfer theory and XMCD. The 2p XAS spectra contain much detail for halides, oxides and coordination compounds. These spectra can be analyzed in great detail, revealing much information, including the valence, the spin state and the crystal field parameters. Covalent compounds and metal alloys have spectra with much less detail, which makes analysis more difficult.