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ESCALAB QXi – X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer Microprobe

Multi-technique surface analysis instrument with high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and imaging.

ESCALAB QXi X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer Microprobe

Meet your demands for increased analytical performance and flexibility with the Thermo Scientific™ ESCALAB™ QXi X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer (XPS) Microprobe, which combines high spectral sensitivity and resolution with quantitative imaging and multi-technique capabilities.

The ESCALAB QXi XPS Microprobe is an expandable and optimized multi-technique instrument with unparalleled flexibility and configurability. It is extremely sensitive, producing high-quality spectra in seconds. System control, data acquisition, processing, and reporting are seamlessly integrated in the powerful Thermo Scientific Avantage Data System. The cutting-edge technology, driven by intuitive software, guarantees world-class results and productivity. The ESCALAB QXi XPS Microprobe, with its unique dual detector system, also delivers superb XPS imaging with excellent spatial resolution.

Monochromated X-ray source
  • Micro-focused Al K-Alpha source or optional micro-focused dual-anode Al K-Alpha and Ag L-Alpha source
Analyze
  • 180°, double-focusing, bi-polar hemispherical analyzer with dual detector system for spectroscopy and imaging
Ion source
  • Monatomic EX06 ion source supplied as standard; option for MAGCIS dual mode ion source
Vacuum system
  • Two turbo molecular pumps for entry and analysis chambers, with rotary pumps or oil-free backing pumps; auto-firing, 3-filament titanium sublimation pump for analysis chamber
Sample stage
  • 5-axis sample stage with sample heating and cooling capabilities
  • Optional fully automated sample exchange from load-lock parking post to analysis chamber
Included standard analysis techniques
  • X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)
  • Reflected electron energy loss spectroscopy (REELS)
  • Ion scattering spectroscopy (ISS)
Optional analysis techniques
  • UV lamp for UV photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS)
  • Non-monochromated X-ray source for HAXPES
  • Field emission electron source for Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and SEM
  • Inverse photoemission spectroscopy (IPES)
  • EDS detector
Optional accessories
  • Glove box, vacuum transfer vessel, EX03 broad beam ion source, platter camera
Sample preparation options
  • Heat/cool sample holder, additional preparation chamber, bakeable 3-gas admission manifold, fracture stage, sample parking facility

Monochromated XPS

The twin-crystal, micro-focusing monochromator has a 500 mm Rowland circle, uses an Al anode (or a dual Al and Ag anode with the dual monochromator option), and allows you to select any sample spot size ranging from 200 µm to 900 µm.

Flood electron source

An electron source, co-axial with the analyzer input lens, is used for charge compensation when analyzing non-conducting samples with the monochromatic X-ray source, while a second flood source produces both low-energy ions to assist in providing effective charge compensation and low-energy electrons when the magnetic lens is not in use.

Lens and analyzer

The lens and analyzer system on the ESCALAB QXi XPS Microprobe is optimized for both spectroscopy and for parallel imaging; the single analyzer path means that the same instrument parameters (e.g., pass energy) can be used for both spectroscopy and imaging.

Detectors

The ESCALAB QXi XPS Microprobe is fitted with two detector systems: one optimized for spectroscopy, consisting of an array of six-channel electron multipliers, and one for parallel imaging, consisting of a pair of channel plates and a continuous position-sensitive detector.

Ion gun

The ESCALAB QXi XPS Microprobe has two options for rapid, high-resolution depth profiling: the standard EX06 ion gun, which is optimized for monatomic ion sputtering and ion scattering spectroscopy; and the optional monatomic and gas cluster ion source, MAGCIS, which is capable of monatomic ion profiling, cluster ion profiling, and ion scattering spectroscopy.

Digital Control

All analytical functions are controlled from the Windows Software-based Avantage data system, meaning that the entire analysis process can be performed remotely, if required.

Alignment and calibration

A standards block, which has samples of copper, silver, and gold, can be used for assessing sensitivity, setting the linearity of the analyzer energy scale, calibrating the ion source, aligning the X-ray monochromator, and determining the transmission function of the analyzer.

Sample alignment

All axes of movement on the sample stage are controlled by the Avantage Data System, and a high-resolution digital video camera is fitted to the instrument and is accurately aligned with the analysis position.

Sample manipulator

The computer-controlled, 5-axis, high-precision translator (HPT) allows accurate sample alignment for analysis. When coupled with the new automated sample loading system, it can be used to automatiucally exchange sample holders and run queued experiments.

Vacuum system

The analysis chamber is constructed from 5 mm-thick mu-metal to maximize the efficiency of the magnetic shielding, and the chamber is pumped using both a turbomolecular pump and a titanium sublimation pump, allowing the analysis chamber to achieve a vacuum better than 5 x 10-10 mbar.

Preparation chambers

The standard Preploc chamber, which is a combined sample entry lock and preparation chamber, has ports that accommodate a variety of sample preparation devices, such as heating/cooling probes, ion guns, high-pressure gas cells, sample parking, and gas admission.

Connectivity

Measurement coordinates can be imported into Avantage Data System from dedicated microscopy systems using Thermo Scientifc Maps Software for even faster identification of measurement areas. XPS spectroscopy and imaging data can be added into Maps Software to allow direct comparison of surface chemistry and structural information.

  • Battery Research
  • Metals Research
  • Polymers Research
  • Geological Research
  • Oil and Gas
  • Nanoparticles
  • Forensics
  • Catalysis Research
  • Fibers and Filters
  • 2D Materials
  • Automotive Materials Testing

Multi-technique surface analysis workflow

To meet the need for extensive characterization of surfaces, we have established multi-technique workflows based on using either the Thermo Scientific ESCALAB CXi XPS Microprobe or the Thermo Scientific Nexsa Surface Analysis System. These instruments are designed as multi-technique workstations to provide comprehensive analyses in a timely and efficient manner.

X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) enables surface analysis, providing elemental composition as well as the chemical and electronic state of the top 10 nm of a material. With depth profiling, XPS analysis extends to compositional insight of layers.