Between 25 and 29 May 2026, the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences (FZU) hosted Dr. Thomas Gouder, the principal scientist behind the development and operation of the Surface Science Laboratory Station (SSLS) at JRC Karlsruhe.
The visit focused on the ongoing commissioning of the SSLS infrastructure recently transferred from JRC Karlsruhe to FZU (link). Together with FZU staff, Dr. Gouder contributed to the integration, testing, and optimization of key subsystems of the facility while sharing expertise gained during many years of operation at JRC Karlsruhe.
During the visit, several important milestones were achieved. Existing XPS capabilities were further tested and optimized, while UPS functionality was successfully integrated into the system. Additional work focused on surface cleaning by Ar⁺ sputtering, sample storage facilities, and the sample transport system with integrated camera monitoring. The first successful preparation of thin films was also completed.
The visit represented an important step towards full operation of the facility as an open-access research infrastructure and provided valuable knowledge transfer between the original SSLS team and future operators at FZU. Once fully operational, SSLS will provide a versatile platform for in-situ preparation and characterization of surfaces, thin films, and functional materials, supporting research in areas ranging from quantum and energy materials to catalysis, corrosion, and nuclear materials.
