A history of X-ray absorption fine structure

This historical account of X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy from the origin to 1975 begins with the first observations of X-ray absorption edges and the experimental setups used at the turn of the century. Then, the discovery of XAFS and Kossel's early interpretation are discussed. A close look is taken at the three outstanding papers written by Kronig to explain XAFS in solids and molecules. Petersen's development of XAFS in molecules and Smoluchowski's investigation of XAFS in crystals during the thirties are reviewed. Then, the Japanese and Soviet contributions to X-ray absorption spectroscopy up to the sixties are described. We conclude with the advent of the present understanding of XAFS developed in the early seventies. Although many experiments are presented, we emphasize the conceptual evolution of the interpretation of XAFS, including false steps and overlooked works. 547 refs