Accelerating Materials Innovation
Electron Spectroscopy
Scanning Probe Microscopy
Thin Film Deposition
Result of the Month (ROM), November 2025
In-situ probing of the Fischer-Tropsch reaction on Co single crystal surfaces up to 1 bar
The surface chemistry of the Fischer-Tropsch catalytic reaction over Co has still several unknows. Here, we report an in-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study of Co(0001) and Co(10-14), and in-situ high energy surface X-ray diffraction of Co during the Fischer-Tropsch reaction at 0.15 bar - 1 bar and 406 K - 548 K in a H2/CO gas mixture. We find that these Co surfaces remain metallic under all conditions and that the coverage of chemisorbed species ranges from 0.4–1.7 monolayers depending on pressure and temperature. The adsorbates include CO on-top, C/-CxHy and various longer hydrocarbon molecules, indicating a rate-limiting direct CO dissociation pathway and that only hydrocarbon species participate in the chain growth. The accumulation of hydrocarbon species points to the termination step being rate-limiting also. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the intermediate surface species are highly dynamic, appearing and disappearing with time delays after rapid changes in the reactants’ composition.
Latest news
Introducing DeepCore-X
Designed for advanced surface and bulk materials research, DeepCore-X enables high-resolution X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Hard X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (HAXPES) in a single, laboratory-based instrument. With its high-flux Ga Kα MetalJet F-series source (9.25 keV) and the synchrotron-proven EW4000 analyser, DeepCore-X delivers synchrotron-like performance while maintaining ease of use in a compact system. Automation of sample handling, smart workflows, and camera-assisted navigation make DeepCore-X a highly productive and accessible platform for every level of expertise.
Introducing ARCTIC SPM Lab
We are excited to officially announce the launch of ARCTIC, our latest ultra-high vacuum (UHV) scanning probe microscopy (SPM) platform, designed for cutting-edge research at the intersection of nanoscience and quantum technology.
The ARCTIC SPM represents our latest innovation in modular, ultra-low-temperature scanning probe microscopy. Built on our newly developed ARCTIC closed-cycle cooling platform, it combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly operation.
With the ARCTIC SPM LAB, you benefit from unattended, continuous cooling, eliminating the complexities of handling extreme temperatures. This system ensures virtually unlimited measurement time while delivering the stability traditionally associated with liquid helium cryostat-based SPMs.
Designed for maximum flexibility, the ARCTIC SPM features a unique horizontal cooling power feed, resulting in a compact footprint. Its open-access design allows for unrestricted entry from all sides, empowering your experiments with unmatched versatility.
News PEAK-1.5 Now Available for Download!
We're thrilled to announce that PEAK-1.5 is now ready for download at the Scienta Omicron Customer Portal. Here's a quick overview of the new features you can expect with this release:
- New Sequence Control for easier setup of measurements
- A fresh Sequence View with Spectrum Region Summaries for better control during measurement
- Introduction of Continuous Pass Energies for optimisation of instrument resolution and data recording efficiency (requires a new software license)
- Introduction of a Detector Overexposure Monitor to protect the MCP/CMOS detector from intensity overload
Sample Manipulators
Open and Closed Cycle Sample Manipulators
When aiming at high experimental energy resolution for ARPES measurement, it is crucial to achieve ultra-low sample temperatures to quench thermal broadening. This is possible with state-of-the-art cryo manipulators reaching sample temperatures from < 3.5 K and featuring up to 6 fully motorized axes for a large range of movements. The manipulators are available as open and closed cycle. Open cycle manipulators reach lower temperature specifications and are rapidly cooled down from room temperature to 10 K in 15 min. The low He consumption below 1 l/h at ultimate temperature and the possibility to operate with liquid nitrogen at higher temperatures ensure a low operating cost. Closed cycle manipulators have no He consumption providing unlimited holding time.
Service Upgrade
PEAK Slit Control
Optimal analyser settings with remote control
In photoelectron spectroscopy measurements, there is always a trade-off between signal intensity and resolution. Optimising this balance is the key to obtaining smooth and sharp spectra within the shortest time possible. For hemispherical analysers, this trade-off is controlled by the selected entrance slit and pass energy.
PEAK Slit Control replaces manual slit changes at the analyser with a motorised and software-controlled slit. With the control of all analyser settings, easy and quick optimisation of signal intensity versus resolution is possible.
About Us
Scienta Omicron is a leading innovator in Surface Science and Nanotechnology. At our technology centres in Uppsala, Sweden and Taunusstein, Germany we develop and produce high-tech instruments. Our instruments support top researchers globally and are serviced by our four regional hubs in USA, China, Japan and Germany.
We provide state of the art instruments in Electron Spectroscopy, Scanning Probe Microscopy and Thin Film Deposition. Focusing on the race for new unique materials and solutions, in areas like – smarter batteries, next generation electronics, quantum technologies, solar energy, intelligent sensors and advanced materials, Scienta Omicron enables development of tomorrow´s materials.
THE SCIENTA GROUP: One Group, Two Leading Brands
Since 1983 the combined companies, including Scienta Omicron and Scienta Envinet (former Scienta Sensor Systems and Envinet GmbH respectively) that make up the Scienta Scientific Group have been leading the development of ultra high vacuum research and analysis equipment in the fields of Surface Science, Material Physics, UHV technology and Radiation Detection, resulting in scientific breakthroughs, Nobel Prizes and outstanding industrial equipment.