Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES), sometimes called Scanning Auger Microscopy (SAM), is an analytical technique used to study surfaces. It uses a high-energy or focused electron beam to excite atoms near the surface of a solid sample. The excited atoms then “relax”, creating Auger electrons, this transition of electrons is known as the Auger effect.
Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES)
The Auger effect is a process in which there is a transition of electrons during an atom’s excited state. When an excitation source such as an electron beam or an X-ray excites an atom, an electron gets ejected from the inner-shell orbital leaving a hole in its place, creating an unstable state. To try to correct this unstable state, the hole of the missing electron is filled by an electron from an outer layer shell. The Auger electrons will generally have characteristics, and sometimes even bonding, to the elements in the sample.
Auger Electron Spectroscopy is very useful for obtaining an elemental analysis of small surfaces and can also provide elemental maps. AES can be used to detect all elements except hydrogen and helium.
Contract Laboratory has received the following test requests for surface testing:
- Materials laboratory needed for Residual Gas Analysis, Raman Spectroscopy, or Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis on our test parts. The sizes of the residues are typically 0.20 mm x 0.40 mm for studying the long-term effects of potential out-gassing of epoxies on the lifetime properties of modules. The first trace chemical analysis provider showed that the residues are not inorganic molecules, but they were not set up to delve any deeper.
- Large company looking for mechanical and analytical laboratory for a sizeable account. Testing includes Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Auger Spectroscopy, Boroscopy, Capillary Electrophoresis (CE), Chemical Imaging Microscope (Fluorescence), Composite Layup Sequencing, Contact Angle Goniometry, Dektak Profilometer, Dynamic Light Scattering, Dynamic Tear test, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS, Fiber Matrix Void Volume Fractions, Fractographic Examination (optical) and Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fracture Mechanic, Friction, Metallography, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR), Optical and Video Microcopy, Raman Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS), Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (WDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD)and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)
- Physical Laboratory needed for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials as per ASTM E84 – 16, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
- Materials Laboratory needed for materials characterization testing of solid surface acrylic/polyester resin-based composite material used in the manufacture of kitchen and bathroom countertops. including general, thermal, and mechanical properties and chemical resistance.
Plus many more projects can be viewed at Incoming Laboratory Test Requests
If your organization needs a laboratory for Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES) or Scanning Auger Microscopy? Call 1-855-377-6821 or Submit Laboratory Test Request
