Unraveling spectral shapes of adventitious carbon on gold using a time-resolved high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and principal component analysis

To extract chemical information reliably, we propose a new data processing method based both on the creation of vectors and vector base change. The originality this is combination different core XPS peaks, Auger and/or valence bands in single vector. We show that measurement sample upon its progressive change, such as accumulation adventitious carbon, allows us to create basis using linear algebra Principal Component Analysis. demonstrate application carbon films Au foil utilizing 4f, C 1s O spectral envelopes. This expands possibilities measured environment analysis an operator-unbiased solution for materials which reference spectra are not available. In demonstration, emphasis placed identifying changes peak assumed be highlight uncertainties associated with calibrating binding energy scale simple model identify component saturated hydrocarbon origin.