LEED Summer School

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About event

Low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) is a widely used, surface-sensitive technique, employed by a large fraction of surface physics groups. LEED measurements can usually be performed without much impact on the sample and are a quick way to obtain qualitative data about the surface structure. Furthermore, LEED optics are comparatively cheap. These properties make LEED an excellent supporting technique that can be used as a handshake technique or as a quick check to ensure that the sample surface is indeed the desired structure for a measurement.

Beyond the qualitative information that is contained in the LEED pattern, the intensity variation of the diffraction spots encodes information about position, chemical nature, and vibrations of each atom in the unit cell. By acquiring multiple LEED patterns at different beam energies, one can obtain quantitative data by extracting the intensity curves of the diffraction spots [LEED I(V)]. The extracted curves can then be compared to calculated curves for theoretical predictions of the sample surface. Such comparisons allow fitting the theoretical model to the acquired data with picometer accuracy. This makes LEED one of the most precise surface science techniques.

Despite these advantageous properties, LEED is rarely used to its full potential. The main reason is the difficult and time-consuming data evaluation and, in the case of LEED I(V), the lengthy data acquisition process. This summer school will introduce attendees to modern, free-to-use software that significantly speeds up and improves LEED and LEED- I(V) data acquisition and evaluation.

ProLEED Studio

ProLEED Studio is an intuitive tool for modelling and interpreting LEED diffraction patterns, designed to allow simple, precise, and interactive reconstruction of 2D unit cells from experimental images. It enables users to load experimental LEED images and interactively reconstruct the underlying 2D unit cell by manipulating lattice vectors and diffraction spots directly in real and reciprocal space. The software supports complex superstructures, multiple rotational or mirror domains, and commensurate or incommensurate lattices, and visualizes unit cells, grids, domains, and scale bars in real time.

During the workshop, participants will learn how to:

• import experimental LEED patterns and align them with modeled diffraction patterns;
• identify substrate and superlattice periodicities;
• construct 2D unit cells using drag-and-move manipulation in both real and reciprocal space;
• model multi-domain superstructures and Moiré patterns;
• adjust spot sizes to mimic experimental intensities;
• export publication-ready figures in vector or bitmap formats.

By the end of the session, attendees will be able to use ProLEED Studio as a practical tool for analysing complex diffraction patterns, understanding surface periodicities, and preparing clear structural models for publication.

Visit ProLEED Studio to learn more about the project.

ViPErLEED

This project comprises a set of open-source tools that drastically reduce the effort required for LEED- I(V) studies on both the experimental and computational fronts. The project consists of three packages:

• The ViPErLEED hardware and measurement package: A set of hardware, firmware, and control software that interfaces with pre-existing LEED systems. The system automates data acquisition while simultaneously improving data quality.
• The ViPErLEED ImageJ plugins: These add-ons for ImageJ make the extraction of I(V) curves significantly faster and easier. The integrated spot tracker is capable of automatically identifying and tracking diffraction spots.
• ViPErLEED calc package: This package contains extensive functionality for quantitative analysis of LEED data and surface-structure optimisation. Furthermore, it can be used to vastly improve calculation speed.

This presentation of ViPErLEED will go through each of the three packages and there will be hands-on examples of data extraction, calculation of I(V) curves and structural optimization, similar to the content previously presented in the 2025 LEED-I(V) Workshop during the ECSCD16/ICSOS14 conference.

Visit ViPErLEED for more information about the project.

Preliminary programme:

• 18 May Afternoon: Introduction and LEED data acquisition
• 19 May: ViPErLEED ImageJ plugins and calc
• 20 May: ViPErLEED calc
• 21 May: ProLEED

Pre-register now!

By completing the registration form, you are expressing your interest in this event, and we will keep you informed of any updates. A small participation fee may be charged to attendees.