Surface Analysis Facility
Instrumentation
The Surface Analysis Facility incorporates SIMS, LEIS, FIB and optical interferometry. The facility provides state of the art analyses of a wide range of surfaces using time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), low energy ion scattering (LEIS), and focussed ion beam (FIB) microscopy with secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS).
ToF-SIMS is a ultra-high vacuum-based technique for measuring the chemical nature of atoms at and near the surface of materials. The sensitivity of the measurement is often better than parts per million, and the spatial resolution can be within the nano-scale.
Low energy ion scattering (LEIS) is a highly surface sensitive technique, capable of measuring the chemical composition of just the first atomic monolayer. The facility is unique to the UK and one of but a few in the world.
The above two techniques are also interconnected allowing sample interchange without exposure to the atmosphere and maintaining UHV conditions. Sample preparation facilities are available for top atom and molecule layer characterisation by LEIS and SIMS.
Combined TOF SIMS and LEIS instrument
The microscope-based coherence scanning interferometer enables high-resolution measurement of surface topography, including sputtered crater depths.
Research is undertaken at the surface analysis facility in a range of disciplines, including but not limited to oxide materials for fuel cells, biomaterials, functional nanomaterials, and energy and transportation materials. Much of the research, such as materials for fuel cells, relies on the facility’s isotopic tracer labelling facility and Matlab-based modelling routines for the interpretation of the tracer fraction profile. Research in the facility has resulted in over 40 PhDs and 500 publications.
Surface Analysis Facility help and support
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Dr Ainara Aguadero
Personal details
Dr Ainara Aguadero Academic Lead - Surface Analysis FacilitiesSend email+44 (0)20 7594 5174
Support with
Full consultations to access the Surface Analysis Facility
Location
Department of Materials
Royal School of Mines
First Floor, 1.07 -
Dr Sarah Fearn
Support with
Full consultations to access the Surface Analysis Facility and the the IONTOF TOF.SIMS 5 -Qtac 100 LEIS instrument
Location
Department of Materials
Royal School of Mines
Lower Ground Floor, LG62A -
Dr Richard Chater
Personal details
Dr Richard Chater Senior Research Officer, Surface AnalysisSend email+44 (0)20 7594 6740
Support with
FEI FIB-SIMS and Zygo NewView 200
Location
Department of Materials
Royal School of Mines
Lower Ground Floor, LG62A