While X-rays can penetrate well into the bulk of the sample, XPS is only sensitive to the top few nanometers of the material. Why?
This technique is based on the photoelectric effect. When a material is eradicated with X rays , photoelectrons are ejected from the surface . The technique is inherently surface sensitive beacuse X ray first collides with he surface electron and then reaches ro the inside part . Therefore the majority of signal detected originated from the outer 1 to 10 nm of the sample.
Xps is therefore result of the first interaction .
On the other hand the second interaction described above I.e colliding of X rays with the inner electron and then scattering of X rays is used to study the crystalline structure .
Get Answers For Free
Most questions answered within 1 hours.