Hard X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (HAXPES) is becoming more and more popular as a characterisation technique for the bulk of materials as well as buried layers and interfaces. To date, most experiments are hosted as beamlines on synchrotrons and only a small number of such systems is available worldwide.

In order to open up the technique to a wider user base, new laboratory-based systems are being developed. Together with Scienta Omicron we have worked on such a system based on a monochromated, liquid Gallium X-ray source delivering a microfocused X-ray beam. This in combination with a state-of-the-art photoelectron analyser enables high resolution measurements of a range of samples.

If you want to know more about this exciting prototype and see some spectra collected on reference and applied materials, check out our paper in Review of Scientific Instruments. The paper is open access so freely available to everyone.