Soft x-ray absorption spectroscopy in 100-1000 eV region at the ALS

In a number of solid state systems with localized conduction band states and excitonic states, sharp features in absorption spectra were observed. We have measured the x-ray absorption spectra from borides, nitrides, and some calcium and titanium compounds using BL 6.3.2, an entrance slitless bend magnet beamline operating in the 50-1000 eV region, equipped with a Hettrick-Underwood type varied line space (VLS) grating monochromator. As an example, absorption measurement of selected compounds in B-K (similar to 190 eV), Ca-L (similar to 350 eV), and Ti-L (similar to 460 eV) x-ray region will be presented along with their accurate energy positions.