| Larch: Data Analysis Tools for X-ray Spectroscopy

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# 5.3. Pre-edge subtraction and Normalization

As shown above in Figure 5.1.1.1, the main analysis panel for the Larix program is the “XAS Normalization” Panel. This panel helps you do pre-edge subtraction and normalization of XAFS data using the `find_e0()`, `pre_edge()`, or `mback_norm()` functions. This processing step is important for getting normalized XAFS spectra that is used for further analysis of both XANES and EXAFS. In general, the idea is to get the main step of each XAS spectrum to go from 0 below the main edge to 1 above the edge, so that the normalized spectrum represents the average absorption of each absorbing element in the sample.

The first step in the process is to identify \(E_0\), the absorption threshold energy. This is typically (and by default) chosen as the energy point where the first derivative \(d\mu(E)/dE\) has a maximum. This may not necessarily reflect the onset of absorption or the Fermi level, but it is easy to identify reliably for any spectrum. At this point, the value does not have to be highly accurate, so that predictability and reproducibility are favored. You can set the value of \(E_0\) or allow it to be determined automatically.

The next step is to measure how large the jump in absorption is. This process can be somewhat trickier, so that there are some heuristics built in to Larix (and `pre_edge()`) to help make this more robust. You can explicitly set the the value of the edge step, or allow it to be calculated from the spectra in one of two ways.

The classic way for determining the edge step is encapsulated in the `pre_edge()` function. Default values for ranges for the fitted pre-edge line and post-edge normalization curve can be set, or you can rely on the default settings for these values. In general, the default settings give pretty good results, but the value for the edge step or the fitting ranges and curve forms can be altered here.

Consult with `pre_edge()` and `mback_norm()` function for more details on these parameters. Note that you can copy processing parameters from one group to other groups with the set of “copy” buttons that will copy the corresponding parameters to all the selected groups.

Finally, from the normalization panel, you can plot the data for the one currently selected group or for all selected groups in a few different ways: Raw \(\mu(E)\), normalized \(\mu(E)\), the derivative \(d\mu(E)/dE\), flattened \(\mu(E)\). For the current group there are even mor options, including the raw \(\mu(E)\) with the pre-edge line and post-edge normalization curve, or compare with the MBACK-calculation for normalization.

# 5.4. Common XAS Processing Dialogs

When importing and normalizing XAS data, it is sometimes necessary to make some corrections of manipulate the data in a few well-defined ways. These can include:

> - copying, removing, and renaming data groups.

> - merging of data groups – summing similar or repeated spectra.

> - de-glitching spectra.

> - recalibrating or aligning spectra.

> - smoothing of noisy spectra.

> - re-binning of spectra onto a “normal” XAFS energy grid.

> - de-convolving spectra.

> - correcting over-absorption in fluorescence XANES spectra.

There are several dialogs available in Larix, each designed to guide through the steps needs for these corrections or manipulations. Each of these is described in more detail below.

## 5.4.1. Energy Calibration and alignment

Each XAS spectra Group has

Figure 5.4.1.1 Energy calibration dialog.

## 5.4.2. Deglitching and Truncating Data

Figure 5.4.2.1 De-glitching dialog

## 5.4.3. Smoothing Data

Figure 5.4.3.1 Energy smoothing dialog.

## 5.4.4. De-convolving XAS Data

Figure 5.4.4.1 Deconvolution dialog.

## 5.4.5. Re-binning XAS Data

Figure 5.4.5.1 Energy re-binning dialog.

## 5.4.6. Correcting for Over-Absorption in XAS Data

Figure 5.4.6.1 Over-absorption correction dialog