Electron spectroscopy A new technique for material and structural analysis and a review of its possible applications to problems in glass research

Abstract

The commercial development of electron spetroscopy over the last few years has provided a valuable technique for structural and material analysis. It is a high resolution spectroscopic technique based on the detection and measurement of photo and Auger electrons by a magnetic or electrostatic energy analysing system. The spectra produced are characteristic of the atomic number of the material being irradiated and the kinetic energy of the emitted photoelectrons are related to the specific binding energies of the electrons in the atom itself. The basic principles of the method are outlined together with a description of the type of instrumentation necessary for recording photoelectron spectra. Examples of the use of electron spectroscopy on problems related to the glass industry are used to illustrate the potentials of the technique for surface and bulk analysis. Excess silica was shown to be present in ream line and sodium migration the cause of micro cracks in a glass surface. The technique was also used for determining the diffusion effects of lead into glass surfaces and information was gained on the properties of lead in silicate and borate glasses which illustrate the possibilities of the method for structural studies of the vitreous state.