Physics

Curve fitting

Environmental chemistry

Operating system

Analytical Chemistry (journal)

Astronomy

Psychoanalysis

Instrumentation (computer programming)

Machine learning

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Psychology

Chemistry

Programming language

Computer science

Nuclear magnetic resonance

Ambiguity

Spectral line

Confusion

Computational physics

Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology A Vacuum Surfaces and Films

The use of peak fitting to extract information from x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data is of growing use and importance. Due to increased instrument accessibility and reliability, the use of XPS instrumentation has significantly increased around the world. However, the increased use has not been matched by the expertise of the new users, and the erroneous application of curve fitting has contributed to ambiguity and confusion in parts of the literature. This guide discusses the physics and chemistry involved in generating XPS spectra, describes good practices for peak fitting, and provides examples of appropriate use along with tools for avoiding mistakes.

Practical guide for curve fitting in x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy