Surface Analysis
The surface analysis laboratory, directed by Dr. Langell, has instrumentation
required for analyzing the surfaces of solid materials. Surface components may
be analyzed for both their atomic and molecular constituents. For example,
Auger electron spectroscopy is used to determine the types and quantities of
atoms on a surface, while X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is used to probe the
"chemical environments" of the elements. More detailed information is
obtained using techniques that probe the energies of the absorbate bonds.
Ultraviolet photoelectron and high resolution electron energy loss
spectroscopies are used to measure the strength and orientation of entities'
bonds, much like infra-red spectroscopy is used for analysis of bulk samples.
Low energy electron diffraction shows the pattern in which adsorbates arrange
themselves on the surface. In addition to these in-house ultra high vacuum
surface facilities, UNL maintains photoemission capabilities at the vacuum UV
synchroton at the Center for Advanced Microstructures and Devices--Baton Rouge
(CAMD). Two beam-lines employing NIM (nominal incidence monochrometer) and T6M
(6 meter toriodal grating monochrometer) optics are available with the highest
photoelectron energy resolution achieved on a beamline devoted primarily to the
study of condensed matter and surface chemistry. A comprehensive understanding
of adsorbates and their interactions with surfaces follows using a combination
of these techniques.
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