Surface Analysis with X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Time of flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF SIM
Duration 1 day
Team Researcher Academy



This course is delivered by the Researcher Academy

Researcher Academy courses are very popular and the majority are run in both semesters to give you the opportunity to attend at a time of the year that suits you. 

Target audience: Research postgraduate Students and Early Career Researchers new to the field.

Course Description:

This course provides an introduction to the two principle surface analysis instruments available in nmRC,  X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)  and Time of flight Secondary Mass Spectrometry (ToF SIMS) and is intended for novice users of this instrumentation.

The course will cover:

Part 1

  • Introduction to XPS theory and instrumentation (basics and capabilities)
  • Example analysis of XPS data for ‘real’ samples.

Part 2

  • Introduction to ToF SIMS and 3D OrbiSIMS  theory and instruments (basics & capabilities).

Learning outcomes:

  • Familiarisation with XPS & SIMS facilities available at the nmRC and elsewhere
  • Theoretical basis for techniques based on XPS & SIMS
  • Functionality of specific instrumentation
  • Practical applications of XPS & SIMS techniques

*Please note the course will take place in two sessions, 10am-11.30am and 1pm-2.30pm. It is expected that you will attend both sessions.

Process: Lectures/seminar with some worked examples 

Course Accessibility

The following table shows a summary of what is needed to participate in the course. 

If you feel you will experience any difficulties participating, please let us know via the ‘special requirements’ tab, providing as much information as possible. The special requirements tab can be completed when you book your place. Alternatively, you can contact us directly at ra-training@nottingham.ac.uk.

Print off pre-requisite paperwork/ resources & bring them to the course (optional)
Bring your own laptop/ PC to the course (optional)
Access seminar room on campus
Attend the course at the specified date and time
Watch and listen to the course tutor(s) and/or other attendees
Follow presentation slides during the course


Booking Conditions

Latecomer policy

Researchers should plan to arrive prior to the advertised course start time. Except for exceptional reasons, there will be no admittance to a Researcher Academy or Faculty Training Programme (FTP) course 15 minutes after the advertised course start time.

Importance of booking commitment

When booking on to a Researcher Academy short course you are entering into a commitment to attend. If you find that you are no longer available to attend you MUST cancel your place (on the system if more than three days before the course) or if at short notice by emailing ra-training@nottingham.ac.uk. This will ensure that your place can be offered to another researcher on the waiting list. Failure to cancel a place results in other researchers missing out on places through the waiting list process.

It is unacceptable for researchers to just not attend when booked onto a course. The Researcher Academy maintains records of those who repeatedly do not attend courses they have booked. This may affect future eligibility to book onto further Researcher Academy courses and will affect considerations for Researcher Academy funded opportunities.

Pre-Requisites Pre-requisites: Background in Engineering, Physical or Life Sciences
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