Why Gold is the Reference Element for XPS: XRF & LIBS Alternatives

[xhtp2000]

Hi, guys!
Gold is usually used as reference element to calibrate the detector in XPS due to the charge effect, why is Gold so specific? So what element can be the reference element for XRF and LIBS?
Thanks a lot!

 

[ZapperZ]

It is relatively inert, has a non-reactive surface, doesn't form an oxide (at least, not as easily as other metals), and thus, one can use it to calibrate the Fermi level.

Zz.

 

[xhtp2000]

It is relatively inert, has a non-reactive surface, doesn't form an oxide (at least, not as easily as other metals), and thus, one can use it to calibrate the Fermi level.

Zz.

Isn't it because of the the charge effect? Is Gold inert to charge effect as well? The loss of electrons in Gold does not effect its Fermi level? Will Pt also fulfil the calibration task?

 

[ZapperZ]

You will have charging effect if your sample isn't well-grounded, and this will happen to gold as well!

If you have good ground contacts, then ANY metal will work. So here, you have to ask, why gold. Why not, say, copper, which is considerably LESS expensive?

Zz.