Specific Process Knowledge/Characterization/XPS

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Unless otherwise stated, all content on this page was created by Jonas Michael-Lindhard, DTU Nanolab

The XPS tools at DTU Nanolab

The K-Alpha from 2007 is one of the first instruments of this type that was produced.Photo: DTU Nanolab internal
The Nexsa from 2019 is on the surface very similar to the K-Alpha. Its panels, however, hide a whole range of supplementary techniques.Photo: DTU Nanolab internal


In the basement under the cleanroom two X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) systems are installed back-to-back in the center of room 904. They are both manufactured by Thermofisher and they enable the users to perform elemental and chemical analysis of samples. The XPS K-Alpha is a base technique instrument providing XPS analysis. The XPS Nexsa is an upgraded version with all options.

Elemental analysis

The XPS instrument enables elemental analysis, chemical state analysis on the sample surface or deeper down by a depth profiling. A comparison about techniques and instruments used for elemental analysis at DTU Nanolab can be found on the page Element analysis.

More about the different possibilities of the XPS instrument is found here:

Getting access to the XPS tools

Click HERE to see information on how to get access to the XPS.

Analyzing XPS spectra

The analysis of XPS spectra is an art in itself. It can be done using various software packages available on the internet. In the links below we will focus on two such examples, Avantage and CasaXPS.

Techniques and option on the XPS tools

Equipment XPS K-Alpha (Manufactured by Thermofisher) XPS Nexsa (Manufactured by Thermofisher)
Purpose Main XPS analysis using monochromated Al-Kα radiation at 1486.6 eV XPS analysis using monochromated Al-Kα radiation at 1486.6 eV
Alternative/complementary
  • Work function measurements
Performance Spot size XPS: 30µm - 400µm
  • XPS: 10µm - 400µm
  • Raman: > 15 µm
Pass energy 10-400 eV 10-400 eV (XPS and ISS)
Analysis modes Scanned and snapshot Scanned, snapshot and SnapMap
Charge compensation Flood gun to be used for charge compensation of non conductive samples only Flood gun to be used for charge compensation of non conductive samples and for source of low energy electrons (REELS)
Depth profiles Depth profiles with single Ar ion bombardment
  • Monoatomic energy range 200-3000 eV
Depth profiles with MonoAtomic and Gas Cluster Ion Source (MAGCIS)
  • Monoatomic energy range 200-4000 eV
  • Cluster mode energy range: 2-8 keV
  • Cluster size range: 75-2000 atoms
Substrates / Samples Sample holder size Maximum 60x60 mm Maximum 60x60 mm
Sample height Maximum 20 mm Maximum 20 mm