XPS depth profiling of nano-layers by a novel trial-and-error evaluation procedure.

ABSTRACT: In spite of its superior chemical sensitivity, XPS depth profiling is rarely used because of the alteration introduced by the sputter removal process and the resulting inhomogeneous in-depth concentration distribution. Moreover, the application of XPS becomes increasingly challenging in the case of the analysis of thin layers, if the thickness is in the range of 2-3 inelastic mean free paths (IMFP) of the photoelectrons. In this paper we will show that even in these unfavorable cases the XPS depth profiling is applicable. Herein the XPS depth profiling of a model system tungsten-carbide-rich nano-layer of high hardness and corrosion resistance is presented. We will show that the problems arising because of the relatively high IMFP can be corrected by introducing a layer model for the calcu

SUBMITTER: Racz AS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11316073 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature