Doublet Separations #

Er 4d = 9 eV

Er 4p = 46 eV

Common Overlaps for Er 4d #

S 2p – Ac 5p – Te 4s – Se 3p – Cs 4p – Po 5s – Tm 4d – Ba 4p – Zr 3d – Se LMM (Al Ka X-rays)

Auger Energies #

Note – these are listed in KINETIC ENERGY

Er MNN ≈ 1400 eV

Common Binding Energies – Cu 2p #

Theory and Background #

Erbium is a rare earth element renowned for its role in optoelectronics, fibre-optic communications, and advanced luminescent materials. Its unique 4f electron configuration leads to distinct multiplet splitting and characteristic satellite structures in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra, offering a sensitive fingerprint for its oxidation state and chemical coordination environment. Studying erbium by XPS is particularly interesting because it readily forms stable surface oxides and exhibits strong spin–orbit and final-state effects, making it a valuable probe for surface chemistry, material interfaces, and nanostructure composition. Additionally, accurate XPS analysis of erbium assists in the development of next-generation lasers, photonic devices, and catalysts where rare earth behaviour at the surface is critical for performance.

Experimental Advice #

Erbium is highly reactive and rapidly forms a native oxide layer (Er₂O₃) when exposed to air, which dominates the XPS signal. To probe bulk or metallic Er, minimize air exposure, consider in-situ sample transfer, or use surface cleaning methods (e.g., ion sputtering)—but be cautious as sputtering can itself reduce or modify the surface.

Data Analysis Guidance #

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Reference Datasets #

Coming soon

References #