Selecting and Subtracting XPS Baselines

Before XPS data can be analyzed, the background counts must be subtracted from the peak to obtain useful peak characteristics. The background is defined as the area of data that falls below the baseline. You can select the type of baseline you wish to use, and you can subtract the area below the baseline for multiplex regions.

Click here for more information on selecting endpoints and defining the location of the baseline.

There are two types of baselines available – Linear and Integrated (Shirley). To select the baseline type, choose Baseline from the Data menu. Selecting a Linear baseline creates a straight line drawn between the two endpoints. Selecting an Integrated baseline causes a right-to-left integration to be performed between the two endpoints.

To subtract the background from the data, select Baseline / Subtract Background from the Data menu. The area below the baseline is now subtracted from the data. Background subtraction is necessary for curve fitting.