Unoccupied electronic states
isochromat or energy-resolved IPES
Material Analysis · Composition & Elemental
Inverse Photoemission Spectroscopy (IPES)
Characterise unoccupied electronic states, conduction-band onset and electron affinity, and changes in electronic structure with composition, interface, or treatment using a scope agreed around your sample and decision.
- Price
- from£25 per sample, excl. VAT
- Turnaround
- 5 working days Preparation and scope dependent
- Available platforms
- SPECS PHOIBOS 225 IPES configuration
- Typical outputs
- Inverse-photoemission spectrumEnergy-referenced band onset and feature assignmentsAcquisition geometry, resolution, and surface-preparation recordProcessed spectra
Why this service
What IPES can help you understand
Inverse Photoemission Spectroscopy is selected when the project needs defensible information on unoccupied electronic states, conduction-band onset and electron affinity, or changes in electronic…
Conduction-band onset and electron affinity
angle-dependent measurement where available
Changes in electronic structure with composition, interface, or…
combined UPS/IPES band-alignment study
Choose the scope
Start from the question, not the tool
The method, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to decide.
Isochromat or energy-resolved IPES
unoccupied electronic states
- Best used when
- unoccupied electronic states
- Typical result
- Inverse-photoemission spectrum
- Preparation note
- State the substrate, nominal thickness and whether sectioning or mounting is permitted.
Angle-dependent measurement where available
conduction-band onset and electron affinity
- Best used when
- conduction-band onset and electron affinity
- Typical result
- Energy-referenced band onset and feature assignments
- Preparation note
- Confirm the applicable standard, dimensions, loading direction and number of replicates.
Combined UPS/IPES band-alignment study
changes in electronic structure with composition, interface, or treatment
- Best used when
- changes in electronic structure with composition, interface, or treatment
- Typical result
- Acquisition geometry, resolution, and surface-preparation record
- Preparation note
- Confirm power, connections, operating state, access restrictions and permitted disassembly.
Common outputs
A result package matched to the decision you need to make
Fields, conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.
Inverse-photoemission spectrum reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.
Energy-referenced band onset and feature assignments supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.
Acquisition geometry, resolution, and surface-preparation record provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.
Processed spectra included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.
Sample requirements
What to provide before work begins
Provide representative, clearly labelled samples and identify the decision, feature or comparison that matters.
| Suitable sample | Submission requirement | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Film / coating | Provide the coated substrate or a flat film with the test surface and coating side clearly marked. | State the substrate, nominal thickness and whether sectioning or mounting is permitted. |
| Test coupon / specimen | Provide labelled specimens prepared to the agreed geometry, orientation and surface condition. | Confirm the applicable standard, dimensions, loading direction and number of replicates. |
| Device / assembly | Provide a complete labelled device or assembly with drawings, interfaces and operating limits. | Confirm power, connections, operating state, access restrictions and permitted disassembly. |
Objective: state the decision, comparison or acceptance criterion the work must support.
Handling and access: declare hazards, instability, confidentiality, file constraints or special logistics before dispatch or transfer.
Questions and answers
Common planning decisions
Short answers to issues that can change preparation, scope, timing or interpretation.
What should I send for Inverse Photoemission Spectroscopy?
Provide film / coating, test coupon / specimen, device / assembly as applicable. Exact quantity, dimensions and preparation are confirmed during technical review.
Which analysis option should I choose?
Choose the mode around the decision you need to make. For unoccupied electronic states, start with isochromat or energy-resolved IPES; add angle-dependent measurement where available when comparison or quantification is required.
How long will the test take?
Typical turnaround is 5 working days after sample acceptance and method confirmation.
What can limit the result?
The method is surface sensitive and susceptible to contamination and electron-beam damage. Availability is limited and energy resolution is typically lower than conventional photoemission.
Configure the service
Send the information needed to scope IPES correctly
- Sample form, material, dimensions and quantity
- Feature or decision the result must address
- Required comparison, acceptance criterion or reference
- Preferred output and reporting depth