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CAPABILITIES
This facility utilizes a scanning Auger microprobe, which allows for analysis of surface composition using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) with a submicron spatial resolution. This microprobe is used to produce Auger spectra, secondary electron images of surfaces, elemental line scans and maps, and depth profiles. The depth distribution of components at and near the surface can be evaluated by using AES in conjunction with inert ion sputtering. Auger spectra are obtained from the detection of emitted X-ray and Auger electrons, each of which possess energies characteristic of the parent element. AES can detect all elements except H and He and is most sensitive to light elements. The spectra, however, are only representative of the elements in the topmost atomic layers. The inert ion sputtering process uses an ion gun to accelerate inert gas ions toward the sample surface, removing the near surface atoms. Sputtering can be used in combination with AES to produce elemental depth profiles which are useful in determining the thickness of the compositional layers nearest the surface.
The Phi660 was upgraded by RBD Instruments in 2002. The upgrade includes new computer control boards, cabling and software. The modern Windows-based software package includes AugerScan for auger electron acquisition and data manipulation as well as AugerMap for scan control and elemental mapping.
Last updated
May 6, 2009
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