SPL-MSB

Name: Surface Physics Laboratory – Materials Science Beamline

Institution: Charles University

Coordinator: prof. RNDr. Vladimír Matolín, DrSc.; matolin@mbox.troja.mff.cuni.cz

Website

SPL-MSB is a union of the Czech Material Science Beamline Laboratory (MSB) in Trieste and its former operator, the Surface Physics Laboratory (SPL) of the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics of Charles University. SPL-MSB offers access to its research facilities through a single entry point of the CERIC-ERIC (Central‑European Research Infrastructure Consortium), which brings together 9 European countries and is open to researchers from around the world through periodic calls for proposals with independent peer review. The excellence of SPL-MSB is based on its expertise of SPL, the most comprehensive surface research laboratory in the Czech Republic, which has long been operating a number of facilities for materials research, physics and surface chemistry, catalysis and organic molecule studies. These facilities include a full range of photoelectron spectroscopies, particularly spectroscopy at MSB based on synchrotron radiation (e.g. resonance photoemissions and NEXAFS). SPL-MSB provides ion scattering spectroscopy, electron diffraction, scanning tunnelling microscopy, thermodesorption spectrometry, X-ray scanning electron microscopy and focussed ion beam lithography, and atomic force microscopy, which enables electrochemical analysis in liquids. SPL provides its users access to advanced surface research methods and expert support from their staff. The devices offered in open access mode to the Czech and international research community include NAPXPS (Near Ambient Pressure Photoelectron Spectrometer), angle resolved photoelectron spectroscopy and XPS / XPD diffraction, and an FESEM scanning electron microscope with a field emission cathode and synchrotron beamline for materials science at MSB Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste. The active involvement of the students of the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics of Charles University in SPL-MSB’s activities plays a significant role in their Ph.D. and master’s degree studies. Regular workshops attended by both Charles University and foreign partner institutions students are organised.