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Surface Analysis: XPS, Auger and SIMS

18-22 March 2013

The Course 

This is a one week postgraduate level course. The aim is to provide an intensive introduction to the principles of the electron spectroscopic techniques of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS or ESCA) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), together with scanning Auger microscopy (SAM) and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). The course will be staffed by lecturers with considerable experience in applied surface analysis, drawn from both the University of Surrey and elsewhere. Each day will comprise lectures, laboratory demonstrations and classes with the course tutors. Attendees with specific problems concerning the applications of electron spectroscopy will have ample opportunity to consult the lecturers. The number of registrants will be limited to ensure maximum benefit from both the practical classes and tutorial sessions.  

 

Who Should Attend?

The course is for you if you need a thorough grounding in these surface analysis methods, both for "trouble-shooting" investigations and longer term research projects. As the field of surface analysis continues to develop very rapidly, the course provides an ideal opportunity to review the scope and applicability of such methods for specific applications. If the course would be useful for some of your colleagues, please pass the brochure on or contact us for additional copies. While the course is open to all, a scientific or engineering education to degree level, or a higher education qualification in physics or chemistry is desirable.   

Aims

This course aims to:

  • provide a comprehensive understanding of X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Scanning Auger Microscopy and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry
  • impart systematic knowledge on the theory underlying these techniques and current practices in the analysis of surfaces
  • familiarise students with the state-of-the-art equipment
  • provide students with sufficient knowledge that they can decide upon which methods are most appropriate for a range of different materials applications

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course and associated assessment package, students will:

  • understand the theory and practice of the surface analytical techniques of XPS, Auger and SIMS,
  • appreciate the scope and limitations of each technique and be able to decide which techniques
      are applicable in given circumstances
  • be able to critically assess research in which these techniques have been applied
  • understand and interpret spectroscopic results

Module Content

The course comprises lectures, laboratory demonstrations and classes with course tutors.  Practical aspects of surface analysis, such as specimen preparation will also be described.  Participants with specific problems concerning the application of electron spectroscopy are given ample opportunity to consult the lecturers.  Although the main thrust of the course is developing expertise in XPS, AES and SIMS a brief introduction to the less common surface analysis methods is also provided.

Lecture Topics

  • Introduction to Photoelectron and Auger Spectroscopy I: Basic Principles
  • Introduction to Photoelectron and Auger Spectroscopy II: Chemical Information
  • Introduction to Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry
  • Instrumentation for Electron Spectroscopy
  • Surface Analysis of Polymers: XPS
  • SIMS Analysis of Inorganic Systems
  • Complementary Analytical Techniques
  • Auger and X-Ray mapping
  • Sputter Depth Profiling
  • Non Destructive Depth Profiling
  • Applications I: Corrosion Spectra and Images at High Resolution
  • XPS at High Spatial Resolution
  • Surface Analysis of Polymers: SIMS
  • Applications II: Analysis of Hard Coatings
  • Applications III: Adhesion
  • Recent Advances in Surface Analysis

Texts/Sources of Information

Required reading:
Along with extensive course notes, the following textbook is supplied:

Watts JF and Wolstenholme J, An Introduction to Surface Ananlysis by XPS and AES, Wiley,2003.  
(ISBN 047084713)
Recommended background reading:
Briggs D and Seah MP, Practical Surface Analysis, Vol 1, Wiley, 1997.  (ISBN 04719 20819)
Briggs D and Seah MP, Practical Surface Analysis’, Vol.2, Wiley, 1992.  (ISBN 04719 20827)
Wild RK and Flewitt PEK, Physical Methods for Material Characterization, Institute of Physics Publishing, 2001.  (ISBN 07503 08087)

Course Director

The Course Director is Professor John F Watts

Short Course Brochure

For a pdf of the brochure please click here

Registration form

For a pdf please click here

Further information