PEARL - X03DA: Photoemission and Atomic Resolution Laboratory

PEARL is dedicated to the characterisation of local atomic and electronic structure at the surface of a variety of systems such as molecular networks, organic and inorganic semiconductors, nanostructures, thin films, and complex materials. Soft x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS, ARPES) and diffraction (XPD/PhD) as well as scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy (STS) give insight into fundamental phenomena in condensed matter physics that are intimately tied to atomic arrangement or structural transitions.

The laboratory integrates a soft x-ray beamline with an angle-resolved photoelectron spectrometer and a low-temperature scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) in the same ultra-high vacuum system. On-site surface preparation facilities include ion sputtering, high-temperature annealing and physical vapour deposition. A fast-entry load lock and ports for user-supplied equipment are also available.

As the SLS is undergoing a major upgrade of its storage ring starting October 2023, no synchrotron light will be available at PEARL until the new QUEST beamline opens in 2026. The PEARL endstation (sample preparation, STM, ARPES with lab source) will remain operational and accessible for external users in the mean time. Please contact beamline staff, matthias.muntwiler@psi.ch if you have any requests for measurement time.

The PEARL beamline is operated by the Molecular Nanoscience Group. It has been developed and funded in collaboration with a consortium of five Swiss research institutions.