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X-rays Satellite Peaks in XPS Spectra
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X-rays Satellite Peaks in XPS Spectra

Understanding X-ray Satellite Peaks in XPS Spectra

Introduction to Satellite Peaks

  • The video discusses the nature of satellite peaks in X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) spectra, explaining their appearance and how to eliminate them.
  • Standard XPS spectra typically show photoelectron peaks and OJ peaks, but additional satellite peaks can also be present.

Types of Additional Peaks

  • The additional peaks discussed include x-ray satellite peaks and other types like shake-up peaks. These are specifically referred to as x-ray satellite peaks due to their origin.

Causes of Satellite Peaks

  • Satellite peaks arise from using non-monochromatic x-ray sources, which emit multiple x-ray energies rather than a single energy level.
  • Non-monochromatic sources such as aluminum and magnesium produce characteristic x-rays along with higher energy radiation, leading to the formation of these additional satellite peaks.

Energy Levels and Their Impact

  • When using K alpha lines (1 through 6), various photoelectron peaks are generated alongside the less intense satellite peaks.
  • The intensity of photoelectron signals varies based on the source used; for example, magnesium produces more intense signals compared to aluminum.

Avoiding Satellite Peaks

  • To prevent the occurrence of these unwanted satellite peaks in XPS spectra, it is recommended to use monochromatic x-ray sources instead.
Playlists: XPS - X-rays Photoelectron Spectroscopy
Video description

What are X-rays Satellites Peaks? Why they appear in XPS spectra? How to remove these peaks? Satellite peaks are additional peaks in XPS spectra. The main reason behind these additional peaks are due to the excitation of the sample with nonmonochromatic (multiple energy) x-rays sources. The x-rays (which is Al & Mg) NOT only have the characteristic x-ray but also some minor x-ray components (bremsstrahlung radiations) at higher energy. Due to the excitation of the sample by other types of x-rays energy originate the satellite peaks. These satellite peaks will be present at lower binding energies. In XPS, two common x-rays sources are Mg Kα line (1253.6 eV) and Al Kα line (1486.7 eV). For instance, a nonmonochromatic Mg x-ray source irradiate the samples with the most intense Mg Kα1,2 line but also with other less intense lines such as Mg Kα3. So, this Mg Kα3 line produce the x-rays satellite peaks. Similarly, the Kα lines of an Al anode are Kα1–Kα2 doublets with the intensity ration 2:1 that appear at 1486.70 and 1486.27 eV, respectively. In addition to these Kα1–Kα2 lines, weaker lines (Kα3- Kα6, and Kβ) are also present. Therefore, these Kα3- Kα6, and Kβ line produces the x-rays satellite peaks. How to avoid these satellite peaks in XPS spectra? The satellite peaks can be eliminated completely or can be minimized by employing the monochromatic x-rays source. Please subscribe to my channel and share it.