X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) Core-Level Calibration
Surface elemental quantification (<10 nm depth), binding energy shift analysis, and oxidation state deconvolution fundamentals.
Scientific Principles & Procedural Takeaways
Spin-Orbit Coupling: Enforce quantum mechanical branching ratios (e.g., 2p3/2:2p1/2 = 2:1 with locked split spacing).
Background Choice: Shirley backgrounds are preferred for metals; linear backgrounds cause systematic error on rising inelastic tails.
Settings & Acquisition Nuances
Pass energy (typically 20 eV for high-res scans, 100-160 eV for survey), monochromatic Al Ka excitation (1486.6 eV).
Common Artifacts & Prevention
Sample charging during irradiation. Always calibrate core spectra using adventitious carbon (C 1s C-C at 284.8 eV).
📥 Starter Practice Datasets
Example Practice Data: XPS C 1s Core-Level Spectrum (CSV)
Pedagogical starter C 1s core-level array showing adventitious carbon (284.8 eV) and shifted component positions for practicing charge calibration and doublet fitting.