UPS operates by exposing a material to UV photons, which have enough energy to eject electrons from the material's surface. The kinetic energy of these emitted electrons is measured using an electron energy analyzer. The resulting spectrum provides insights into the material's electronic properties. The process can be broken down into several steps:
UV irradiation of the sample. Emission of photoelectrons from the sample's surface. Measurement of the kinetic energy of the emitted electrons.
By analyzing the kinetic energy data, the binding energy of the electrons in the material can be determined.
