How to Start an XAS Experiment

X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) has a very broad range of applications in different fields of science: physics, chemistry, material science, earth and environmental science, art and archaeology, biology, etc. This chapter provides a short guide for beginners to help with the practical aspects that have to be faced previous to and during an XAS experiment in order to achieve the best results possible. It discusses the main actions essential to the conduction of a successful XAS experiment: planning, preparation and performance. Before starting any scientific experiment, it is of primary importance to have clear ideas about the objectives, the information that can realistically be obtained, and the procedures for a successful conclusion. Preparing the experiment involves experiment design, sample conditions for data acquisition, and sample preparation. Safety measures active on site and access to the beamline helps the XAS user perform his experiment.