Short Description
Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) is a method of surface analysis that makes use of the Auger effect. It analyses electrons which are emitted from the sample and which, after initial excitation, undergo a series of internal relaxations.
The 710 Auger Nanoprobe combines a high-resolution scanning-electron-micoscopy (SEM) (< 5 nm) with a high-resolution Auger electron spectrometer (< 10 nm). The combination of these techniques enables the creation of elemental distributions on the surface of materials in the nanometre range, which can be compared to SEM images. This allows the detection of tiny structures, such as defects, which can then subsequently be chemically analysed.
The AES available at the AIC also allows material slicing with the FIB (focused ion beam) and elemental analysis using EDS (energy dispersive spectroscopy). A wide range of samples can be analysed with respect to the molecular composition of thin films and interfaces, additionally information about the bonding state of e.g. metals and alloys is available.
The 710 Auger Nanoprobe was acquired in 2022 using FFG funds for research & development infrastructure support as part of the ELSA project in collaboration with the Competence Centre for Electrochemical Surface Technology (CEST).
Contact Person
Annette Foelske
Research Services
The Analytical Instrumentation Center of the TU Wien (AIC) offers services for surface analytics and depth profiling using electron spectroscopy mainly for institutes and employees of the TU Wien, respectively. Institutes outside the TU Wien can place an order for analysis within research cooperations with the AIC. On a limited scale also orders from a third party can be accepted.
Methods & Expertise for Research Infrastructure
• determination of elemental distributions on the surface
• depth profile analysis with FIB (focused ion beam)
• elemental analysis using EDS (energy dispersive spectroscopy)
• analysis of a large number of samples with regard to the composition of thin films and interfaces
• obtaining information about the bonding state of e.g. metals and alloys
CEST- Centre of Electrochemical and Surface Technology
TU Wien