Beam-Induced Effects in Ambient Pressure Experiments with X-rays

X-ray photons that are used as probe particles in surface-sensitive spectroscopy techniques have additional effects: They can both ionize gas and liquid-phase molecules, and create secondary electrons due to inelastic processes. Both of these effects can influence the material under investigation, and thereby change the outcome of the experiment. In this chapter, some examples from our own practice are provided. Examples include a variety of materials including organic, inorganic, gas-phase, and liquid-phase materials. Dependence of beam-damage to photon flux density and accumulated photon density are discussed. Several experimental protocols to reduce these undesired beam-induced effects are suggested.