Ultraviolet Photoelectron Spectroscopy (UPS)

Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) refers to the measurement of kinetic energy spectra of photoelectrons emitted by atoms which have absorbed ultraviolet photons, in order to determine molecular energy levels in the valence region. This technique therefore is ideally suited to providing information about the more weakly bound and less localised valence electronic states of surfaces. This also makes it a valuable means for studying the surface band structures of clean metals and ordered atomic adsorption layers on metals. Information about the nature of a molecule´s interaction with a surface, such as bonding site, decomposition, orientation and interaction with other adsorbed species can be attained using the technique.