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X-RAY PHOTO-ELECTRON SPECTROMETRY / ESCA SYSTEM
PHI-VERSAPROBE XPS SCANNING MICROPROBE

PHI-VERSAPROBE

The PHI VersaProbe XPS Microprobe is a multi-technique surface analysis instrument based on PHI's highly developed scanning X-ray microprobe technology. The most important advantage of this instrument is that the VersaProbe can produce a focused, highly monochromatic X-ray beam that can be scanned over the specimen surface. In this instrument, a point source of X-rays is created by focusing an electron beam onto an Al anode. A monochromator, consisting of an ellipsoid-shaped crystal, collects X-rays from the point source and focuses them on the surface of the specimen. The focused X-ray beam can be scanned across the specimen surface by correspondingly scanning the electron beam across the surface of aluminum anode. A major advantage of this design is that most of the photoelectrons generated by the focused X-ray beam are actually collected by the electron energy analyzer, whereas in the conventional design, most of the photoelectrons are lost. With the VersaProbe, the spot size can be varied between less than 10 μ diameter (for highest spatial resolution) to 100 μ (for highest sensitivity). The field of view can be as large as 1500 μ by 1500 μ. In addition to the X-ray beam focusing and scanning ability, the VersaProbe also significantly improves the Center's previous instrument with the following features:

  • A 180 ° hemispherical electron energy analyzer optimized for energy resolution and PHI's high angular acceptance lens optimized for small area XPS sensitivity.
  • A UHV analysis chamber with multiple ports aligned to the sample analysis position allowing multi-technique configurations.
  • A unique, 16-channel detector and fast electronics for rapid data acquisition and maximum sensitivity in both the scanned and unscanned data acquisition modes.
  • A new, dual-gun charge compensation system for the analysis of insulators.
  • A fully automated, five-axis (x, y, z, rotation, and tilt), precision, eucentric specimen stage that uses the computer to locate selected analysis positions. Stage motion allows access to all points on the specimen surface.
  • Large specimens – diameter up to 60 mm.
  • A 100 V to 5 kV differentially pumped Ar ion gun with regulated leak valve for specimen cleaning and depth profiling.
  • A microscope, camera, and a light source for sample positioning.
  • A computer system with a modern operating system, controlling all necessary hardware, analysis, data processing, and data output.
  • Software for surveys, high-resolution multiplexes, sputter depth profiles, line scans, chemical images, automated analyses, and user-defined settings. Provides full support for automation.
  • Software with an extensive library of post-analysis data processing algorithms (background subtraction, smoothing, peak identification, linear least squares fitting, target factor analysis, curve and peak analysis and separation of multiple chemical states in maps, line scans, profiles).

Based on these advanced features, the VersaProbe provides the following techniques that conventional XPS systems either cannot perform or can only perform with much inferior results:

  • High performance micro-area spectroscopy.
  • High sensitivity large-area spectroscopy.
  • Chemical state imaging.
  • Angle-dependent spectroscopy.
  • X-ray-induced secondary electron imaging.
  • High-performance sputter depth-profiling.
  • Hands-off charge neutralization.
 
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