Patent ID: 6326617
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A photoelectron spectroscopy apparatus, comprising:(a) an optical system for converging a beam of vacuum ultraviolet or X-ray photons onto a locus of a specimen, the photons having an energy level sufficient to cause emission of photoelectrons from the locus;(b) a flight tube comprising a proximal end situated adjacent the specimen, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis;(c) a photoelectron detector situated adjacent the distal end of the flight tube and comprising a photoelectron-detection surface, the photoelectron detector being operable to measure a time distribution with which photoelectrons propagate through the flight tube from the proximal end to the distal end so as to allow an energy analysis of the photoelectrons to be made;(d) a magnetic field generator comprising (i) a magnet situated near the specimen, and (ii) a coil extending lengthwise relative to the flight tube, the magnetic field generator producing a divergent magnetic field that collects photoelectrons emitted from the locus and collimates the collected photoelectrons to the axis of the flight tube as the photoelectrons propagate from the proximal end to the distal end;(e) the flight tube comprising a magnetic shield for performing at least one of (i) excluding terrestrial magnetism from inside the flight tube and (ii) adjusting a magnetic field distribution in the flight tube produced by the magnetic field generator; and(f) at least one electron-controlling component that includes at least one deflection electrode, electrostatic lens, magnetic field lens, or electromagnetic lens, the electron-controlling component being situated between the distal end of the flight tube and the photoelectron detector and being operable to disperse the photoelectron flux and increase an area on the photoelectron-detection surface in which the photoelectron flux is incident.