Monochromatized Ag Lα X‐rays as a source for higher energy XPS

Abstract Monochromatization of Ag Lα X‐rays is achieved by fitting an Ag anode to a conventional Al Kα monochromator. Many new XPS lines are generated by this high energy source including the 1s and KLL Auger series from Al to Cl. Chemical state determination by means of the Auger parameter for these elements is greatly assisted by the reduced X–ray linewidth after monochromatization. Three glass fibre samples with different surface pre‐treatments were studied to show that chemical state information could be extracted from even these complex, rough and insulating surfaces by using this novel X‐ray source.