XPSPEAK 4.1 is a widely used, free software developed by Raymund Kwok for peak fitting and analysis of X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) data. Download and Installation

Since the software is older, it is typically hosted on university or archive sites rather than a dedicated modern homepage.

Source: You can find the cabinet files through academic repositories such as the Washington State University archive. Installation Steps: Download the XPSPEAK41 cabinet file. Extract the contents into a new folder (e.g., "XPSPEAK").

Ensure all files from the cabinet are moved into this folder to enable full functionality like curve fitting.

Run the XPS icon (a red peak with two blue deconvoluted peaks) to start the program. Software Review Core Capabilities

Peak Fitting: Supports various models including Gaussian, Lorentzian, and Voigt profiles.

Background Correction: Features essential XPS-specific background subtractions like Shirley and Tougaard backgrounds, which generic software like Origin often lacks.

Parameter Control: Allows users to fix or link parameters such as peak position, FWHM (Full Width at Half Maximum), and area ratios, which is crucial for chemical state analysis.

Data Handling: Can import ASCII data and export results for publication-quality figures. Pros & Cons Pros Cons

Completely Free: No licensing fees, making it a staple in academic research.

Outdated Interface: The UI is reminiscent of older Windows versions and can feel clunky.

Specialized Tools: Specifically designed for XPS, unlike general graphing software. Windows Only: Primarily designed for Windows OS.

Lightweight: Very small file size and low system requirements.

Manual Setup: Requires manual extraction of cabinet files; no modern automated installer. Verdict

XPSPEAK 4.1 remains a reliable, "old-school" favorite for researchers who need a straightforward, free tool for deconvolution without the high cost of commercial suites like CasaXPS. While newer open-source alternatives like KherveFitting are becoming popular for their updated features, XPSPEAK is still frequently cited in modern peer-reviewed literature for its core fitting accuracy.

If you need help with a specific part of the fitting process, let me know: Are you having trouble with importing data formats?

Step 1: Load Data

• Go to File > Open.
• Change the file type filter to "All Files (.)" or the specific format (e.g., *.spe, *.txt, *.vms).
• Locate your XPS spectrum. Note: ASCII files must be two-column (Energy, Intensity) separated by a space or tab.

Option 1: Institutional Repositories (Safest)

Most universities that previously used this software still host it on their internal physics or chemistry department servers. Search for:

• [Your University Name] physics software XPSpeak41
• Look for .edu domains exclusively.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide (Once Downloaded)

Assuming you have a legitimate .exe or .msi file:

1. Temporarily disable real-time antivirus (only if you trust the file source – some legacy installers trigger false positives).
2. Right-click the installer → Run as Administrator.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts. If no installer exists, the program may be portable – just extract the ZIP folder and run the .exe.
4. If you see missing DLL errors, you may need to install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables (2005–2010 versions).