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Updated: Apr 5, 2026

Angle-resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy At Ultra-low Temperatures
Published on: October 9, 2012
X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy of Isolated Nanoparticles
Olivier Sublemontier1, Christophe Nicolas2, Damien Aureau3
1†CEA/IRAMIS/Laboratoire Francis Perrin, URA 2453, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
Abstract:
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is a very efficient and still progressing surface analysis technique. However, when applied to nano-objects, this technique faces drawbacks due to interactions with the substrate and sample charging effects. We present a new experimental approach to XPS based on coupling soft X-ray synchrotron radiation with an in-vacuum beam of free nanoparticles, focused by an aerodynamic lens system. The structure of the Si/SiO2 interface was probed without any substrate interaction or charging effects for silicon nanocrystals previously oxidized in ambient air. Complete characterization of the surface was obtained. The Si 2p core level spectrum reveals a nonabrupt interface.
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