Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA)
(Depth Profile)
What Is It?
Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis, also known as X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), provides information on the atomic composition and chemical bonding of a sample on the surface (top few nanometers).
Why Should I Use It?
ESCA can detect all elements except for hydrogen and helium, and the detection limit is about 0.1atomic percent.We can use ESCA on both conductive and insulating samples, which mean this technique has a wide application for both organic and inorganic samples.
What Do I Get Out of It?
The instrument collects and measures the kinetic energy of these electrons from which we can calculate the binding energy,which originally held the electron to its source atom.From the binding energy we can determine which element the electron came from and determine the oxidation state (chemical binding state) of that atom (for many elements).
Applications Include:
Materials Evaluation
- Oxidation states
- Identification of polymeric coatings
- Surface compound identification
- Surface composition
- Plasma treatment
- Anti-reflection coatings
Failure Analysis
- Corrosion product
- Material delamination
- Discoloration of epoxy
- Chemical degradation of surfaces
- Catalyst poisoning
Quality Control
- Identification of organic contamination
- Breakdown of surface lubricants
- Chemical degradation of surfaces
- Adhesion failures