The last decade has seen remarkable advances in resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS). Wide ranging technical improvements in the energy-resolved detection of soft x-rays have been accompanied by substantial progress in the understanding of the processes involved. The technique is now poised to become a major actor in the investigation of physical and chemical properties of materials not only in the solid state but also liquid and gaseous phases.

A novel soft X-ray emission spectrometer will come into operation at Synchrotron SOLEIL, the French national facility, over the next few months. It has been developed, along with a specialized branch beamline in a joint effort between UPMC, LCP-MR, Paris and Synchrotron SOLEIL. The instrument is designed for high resolving power while maintaining a large angular acceptance.

It is the motivation for this workshop whose goal is to initiate exchange between the community of RIXS specialists and potential users. The invited contributors will place emphasis on recent advances and scrutinize emerging applications.

The workshop will be held at Synchrotron Soleil. It is organized as a satellite event of the Soleil Users' Meeting 2011.