UKSAF Summer Meeting 2025

15^th - 16^th of July, 2025

National Physical Laboratory

(scroll down for programme in text format)

XPS Measurement and Analysis Workshop

14^th July 2025

National Physical Laboratory, Teddington

On the 14^th of July, the National Physical Laboratory will be hosting an XPS training workshop, aimed at beginners to intermediate level users of XPS. This workshop takes place immediately before the summer UKSAF, also hosted at NPL, on the 15^th and 16^th of July. The workshop will include a combination of talks and analysis exercises, so attendees should make sure to bring a laptop with them to get the most benefit from the programme, which includes sessions with XPS experts from around the globe. The full agenda can be found below.

This workshop is supported by the European Metrology Programme project ‘SMURFnano – Standardized Measurements of Surface Functionalities on Nanoparticles’.

XPS Workshop Monday 14^th July: Agenda

XPS Workshop Monday 14^th July: Agenda

09:00 – Welcome and Introduction

09:15 – Session 1 (1 hr): General Introduction to XPS Theory – Alex Shard, NPL

A general introduction to XPS and the theory behind XPS measurements

10:15 – Session 2 (45 min): Instrumentation and Calibration – Ben Reed, NPL

An overview of the typical components of an XPS instrument, and how they influence acquired data (and how to mitigate such influences).

11:15 – Session 3 (45 min) Sample Preparation – Dave Morgan, University of Cardiff

An overview of sample preparation methods and concerns for XPS, including do’s and don’ts.

12:00 – Session 4 (30 min) Intro to Elemental Quantification – David Cant, NPL

An overview of performing a basic elemental quantification, using CasaXPS software for example purposes, including applying required calibration data.

12:30 – Lunch Break

13:30 – Session 4.5 (30 min) Intro to Peak Fitting – Carbon 1s – David Cant, NPL

An introduction to the basics of performing a peak-fit – focused on the C 1s spectrum for convenience and ubiquity.

14:00 – Data Analysis Coffee Break

Long Coffee break with examples of both elemental quantification and peak fitting for attendees to attempt, with people on hand to help.

Afternoon Session: Specialist topics

14:45 – Session 5 (45 mins) Analysis of Transition Metals – Mark Biesinger, Surface Science Western

15:15 – Session 6 (45 mins) Analysis of Nanoparticles – Jörg Radnik, BAM

16:15 – Session 7 (45 mins) Analysis of the Inelastic Background – Ben Spencer, University of Manchester

17:00 – Final session – General Discussion and Troubleshooting

The meeting will be hosted at the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington, a short distance south-west of London.  

There are several options for accommodation near NPL. The following hotels are within reasonable distance by walk or public transport to NPL, we recommend booking soon if you have not already.   

• The Park Hotel, Teddington: https://www.parkhotelteddington.com/ [parkhotelteddington.com] 
•  Travelodge: https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/542/London-Teddington-hotel [travelodge.co.uk] 
•  The Lensbury: https://www.lensbury.com/ [lensbury.com] 

National Physical Laboratory
Hampton Road
Teddington
Middlesex
TW11 0LW
(Please note that the main entrance to NPL is on Hampton Road)

The NPL Teddington postcode is TW11 0LW

Our Teddington site sits within the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), if your vehicle doesn't meet the ULEZ emissions standards and is not exempt, you will need to pay a £12.50 daily charge to drive within the zone. You can check your vehicle and find out more details on the Transport for London Ultra Low Emission Zone website.

We endeavour to be a disability-friendly site, but if you require any reasonable adjustments to be made prior to your visit or have any questions please contact us.

Public transport

Buses: 33, 281, 285, 481, R68 and SL7 all serve Teddington.
Please note that local buses do not accept cash. See the TfL website for accepted payment methods.

Trains: Regular services connect Teddington with London Waterloo in approximately 30 minutes.

From Heathrow: Routes 285, and the faster SL7 both connect Teddington with Heathrow Airport. A taxi journey will take approximately 30 minutes.

We will be hosting a conference dinner at The Wharf Restaurant, Teddington, on the evening of the 15th of July, starting at 7pm. This meal is included in the cost of your ticket (and thanks to the support of our generous vendors) – please indicate during registration if you wish to attend, and an email will be circulated closer to the event to request your menu choices. 

In addition, if you are attending the XPS workshop on the 14th, or if you arrive the evening before the event, we will be holding an informal gathering in the evening at the Teddington Arms from 7pm onwards.