High-Pressure, Multi-X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer

• Subject Area: Materials Science
• Term: Funded in 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 526215815

A photoelectron spectrometer system, which can operate at pressures in the mbar range and with different X-ray sources (Al and higher energy anode materials) shall be installed at Technical University of Darmstadt. The new system complements several existing photo-electron spectrometers at Technical University of Darmstadt, which operate in ultrahigh vacuum environment and with conventional Al sources only. The existing spectrometer systems are combined with other characterization techniques and sample and thin film prepa-ration facilities. Extensive experience with the application of photoelectron spectroscopy in various fields of materials research and chemistry has been established with these systems. In the first years after installation, the new spectrometer will be predominantly used within the collaborative research center 1548 (FLAIR: Fermi Level Engineering Applied to Oxide Electroceramics; starting date January 2023, Spokesperson Prof. Dr. Andreas Klein). Within this consortium, the system will provide unique information about surface energetics and chemistry of oxide electroceramics and how these can be controlled by sample composition and processing. Therefore, measurements at high-temperature in different gas atmospheres at higher pressures are mandatory. Multiple X-ray sources will be employed to study surface space-charge regions and buried interfaces of materials with thin electrodes. The new spectro¬meter will become an indispensable tool to realize the ultimate goal of the CRC, which is to predict properties of oxide electroceramics for given composition and processing parameters. The materials addressed in the CRC are ion transport, photo- and electrocatalytic and dielec¬tric materials, which are key elements for energy and environmental technologies and electron¬ics. Apart from the CRC 1548, the new system will be used in materials science, chemistry and mechanical engineering for studies in the fields of energy related research and catalysis. The new opportunities offered by the requested system will strengthen interactions between different departments at Technical University of Darmstadt and initiate new collaborations within TU Darmstadt and beyond.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Hochdruck Photoelektronenspektrometer mit mehreren Röntgenquellen
• Instrumentation Group: 1780 Photoelektronenspektrometer (UPS und XPS)
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität Darmstadt
• Leader: Professor Dr. Andreas Klein