ZapperZ said: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.
Gold is used as the reference element for XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) because it has a well-known binding energy of 4.4 eV for its 4f7/2 orbital. This makes it a reliable standard for calibrating and comparing the binding energies of other elements in the XPS spectrum.
Gold is often preferred over other reference elements, such as silver or copper, because it has a lower vapor pressure and does not react with oxygen. This helps to minimize background signals and ensures accurate measurements in XPS.
Yes, other elements can be used as a reference in XPS. However, gold is commonly used because of its stable binding energy and low reactivity, which can affect the accuracy of the XPS measurements.
Yes, there are alternatives to using gold as the reference element in XPS. XRF (X-ray fluorescence) and LIBS (laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy) are two techniques that can also be used for elemental analysis without the need for a reference element.
Using gold as the reference element in XPS allows for accurate and precise measurements, as it provides a reliable standard for comparing binding energies. It also helps to reduce background signals and improve the overall sensitivity of the technique.