The Avantage Data System

Importance of the Topic

• Surface-sensitive analytical methods provide essential insights into material composition and chemical state.
• Software platforms that integrate acquisition and analysis increase efficiency and data reliability.

Objectives and Overview

The application note describes the Thermo Scientific Avantage data system, designed to manage surface analysis experiments. It highlights the integration with the Windows operating system, flexibility in defining acquisition workflows, and a comprehensive suite of processing tools. The main goal is to streamline XPS and Auger data collection, processing and reporting in both manual and automated modes.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The Avantage data system is built on Windows OS to leverage familiar user interfaces, network connectivity and security features. Experiments are organized into a tree of objects, each representing steps such as:

• Sample alignment using optical or SEM imaging.
• X-ray source configuration (monochromated or twin anode) with variable energy, power and spot size.
• Spectrometer lens and detector settings for XPS and Auger analysis.
• Electron, ion and flood gun control for depth profiling.

Used Instrumentation

• Thermo Scientific XPS spectrometer with optional monochromator.
• Field emission SEM (e.g., MICROLAB 350) for imaging and analysis positioning.
• Monochromatic and non-monochromatic X-ray sources.
• Electron, ion and flood gun units for surface cleaning and depth profiling.

Major Results and Discussion

Key capabilities and findings include:

• Intuitive sample positioning via desktop display of optical and SEM images with selectable analysis points, line scans and area mappings.
• Experiment tree structure enabling complex sequences of acquisition and processing, with branching, copying and batch execution.
• Comprehensive processing audit trail ensuring full traceability from raw data to final results.
• Advanced data analysis tools such as automatic peak identification using integrated libraries, quantification with Scofield and Wagner factors, and customizable sensitivity factors.
• Interactive and batch peak fitting supporting linear, Shirley and Tougaard backgrounds, Gaussian/Lorentzian line shapes, asymmetric peaks and multi-level datasets (depth profiles, linescans, ARXPS).
• Angle-resolved XPS modules providing relative depth plots, multi-overlayer thickness calculations and depth profiling via iterative algorithms (genetic methods, maximum entropy).
• Multi-dimensional data visualization options, including montage, false-color maps and scatter plots for simultaneous display of energy, depth, spatial and angular variables.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The Avantage system offers multiple advantages:

• Enhanced productivity through integrated acquisition and processing workflows.
• Flexibility to define and reuse complex experimental sequences.
• Unattended batch processing for high-throughput applications.
• Secure user management with configurable access levels.
• Seamless integration with third-party software for reporting and data sharing.

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Emerging directions include:

• Integration of machine learning algorithms for automated peak identification and pattern recognition.
• Cloud-based collaboration platforms for remote data access and sharing.
• Enhanced real-time data processing and feedback for in situ analysis.
• Advanced visualization techniques combining spectral and spatial information.

Conclusion

The Thermo Scientific Avantage data system delivers a robust, flexible environment for surface analysis, combining powerful acquisition controls with an extensive suite of processing tools. Its Windows-based architecture, experiment tree concept and advanced visualization capabilities make it well suited for research, QA/QC and industrial applications requiring high data integrity and throughput.

References

• Thermo Fisher Scientific. Application Note 31005: The Avantage Data System.