Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA)

Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA), also known as X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), is a technique used to identify the elements and chemical states of atoms on a material's surface. It works by shining X-rays onto a sample, causing electrons to be emitted. By measuring the energy of these emitted electrons, scientists can determine which elements are present and their specific chemical bonds. ESCA provides detailed surface composition information, helping in material characterization, quality control, and understanding surface reactions. It’s a powerful, non-destructive tool for analyzing surfaces at the atomic level.