Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items

Unique X-ray system gives Department of Physics a competitive advantage

27 July 2021 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo UFS Photo Archive

Hendrik_web read more — Prof Hendrik Swart played a key role in the Department of Physics acquiring the PHI Quantes XPS system, the first in Africa and one of only 20 in the world.

The state-of-the-art equipment in the Department of Physics at the University of the Free State (UFS) differentiates this department from its competitors. Availability of the equipment makes it possible for researchers as well as students to deliver work that receives national and international recognition.

Recently, the department acquired a PHI Quantes XPS system, the first in Africa and one of only 20 in the world.

Creating better phosphor

“The Quantes XPS system uses X-rays to determine the chemical composition of molecules on the surface of a sample. The system is unique in the sense that it also has an extra X-ray source that can determine the chemical state below the surface, which was not possible in the past. This will help us to dictate the position of defects in our phosphor materials that will consequently enable us to create better phosphor for solid state lighting as well as solar cell applications,” explains Prof Hendrik Swart, Senior Professor in the Department of Physics, who also holds the SARChI Chair in Solid State Luminescent and Advanced Materials.

After he had the opportunity to observe the system in the factory in Chigasaki, Kanagawa, Japan, where he attended a conference, Prof Swart was very impressed by its performance. He discussed it with Prof Koos Terblans, Head of the department, and other colleagues, and started making plans to buy the system.

When the department first bought the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) system in 2007/2008, it became the national facility on XPS measurements. Not only is this an upgrade of the XPS system bought 14 years ago, but the new system will enable the department to do more measurements. “The number of samples that we have to handle has just become too much for one system. The new system’s increased capacity for making measurements addresses this challenge and it also gives UFS scientists and postgraduate students more time to spend on fundamental measurements to develop research of a higher level,” says Prof Swart.

(The Quantes XPS system. Photo:Supplied)

Explaining about the measurements, Prof Swart says: “This advanced X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) instrument has the capability to analyse the very small area that the user is interested in and a large area of the uniform sample surface. The two different types of X-ray sources – the hard X-ray source and the more conventional soft X-ray source – can be switched automatically, allowing users to analyse the same area and/or points of a sample. The PHI Quantes XPS system ensures the availability of superior features such as automatic analysis, automatic sample transfer, turnkey charge neutralisation, and advanced data processing.”

“This XPS instrument is designed to pioneer new methods and applications transcending conventional ideas of what is possible.”

Optimising efficiency of materials

Prof Swart says the Department of Physics, especially the Research Chair in Advanced and Luminescent Materials, is developing new high-technology materials on a daily basis. “It is very important to know the chemical composition and defect distribution of the materials in order to add value to the fabrication of these materials,” he adds.

“The distribution of these defects is vital for the efficiency of the phosphor materials. If we know where these defects are located, we can determine the mechanisms of the light output coming from these phosphors,” describes Prof Swart.

Research conducted as part of the Research Chair in Solid State Luminescent and Advanced Materials will benefit significantly from this new system.

(Prof Koos Terblans, Head of the Department of Physics next to the Quantes XPS system. Photo:Supplied)

“We are currently concentrating on phosphors as sensors (temperature), light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and solar cells, where we optimise the efficiency and durability of these materials. Any new knowledge, which I believe the PHI Quantes XPS system will provide us, will help us to reach our goal much quicker,” he says.

Apart from the positive impact on research, the PHI Quantes XPS system will also be a benefit to society in the long term. Improved LEDs can be used to save electricity, and better solar cells can help to generate electricity, to mention but two examples.

News Archive

Inauguration of Prof Francis Petersen as 14th Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS

2017-05-23

Dr Khotso Mokhele, Chancellor of the UFS, robes Prof Francis Petersen as Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS.
Photo: Charl Devenish

“At the UFS, we want to produce graduates for the world, and we need to ensure that we use our knowledge to uplift society”
— Prof Francis Petersen, 14th Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the University of the Free State (UFS)

On Friday 19 May 2017, the University of the Free State (UFS) celebrated the inauguration of its 14th Vice-Chancellor and Rector, Prof Francis Petersen. The formal inauguration was held in the Odeion Theatre on the Bloemfontein Campus. The ceremony was preceded by a week-long welcoming programme on the three UFS campuses.

The guest list included representatives from local and provincial government, vice-chancellors and rectors from across South Africa, and senior members of the university’s executive management.

During the inaugural address, Prof Petersen paid tribute to his predecessors for the role they played in making the university what it is today. This included former rectors and vice-chancellors who attended the ceremony, such as Prof Francois Retief and Prof Frederick Fourie, and Prof Stef Coetzee and Prof Jonathan Jansen who were unable to attend.

Prof Petersen characterised 2015 and 2016 as watershed years for the South African higher-education system. “The Rhodes Must Fall, and subsequent Fees Must Fall student and staff protests challenged us, and re-energised a critical engagement around the purpose of the university in an equal society, both as a site of complicity and as a potential agent for social change,” said Prof Petersen.

He committed himself to developing the UFS into an institution that will have an even greater impact than before.

“This institution I am striving to establish will be one that responds positively to inclusivity, diversity, and transformation, and which can incorporate these values into our curriculum, scholarship, and research in a productive way,” said Prof Petersen.

Prof Petersen emphasised the importance of the three-campus model. “The University of the Free State is ONE university with three campuses: the Bloemfontein Campus, our South Campus, and the Qwaqwa Campus. I am committed to align the activities of the three campuses, and to integrate our activities to a greater extent.

“We must work together to infuse each campus with the values we have identified as essential if we are to make our mark as a united University of the Free State: academic excellence, diversity and inclusivity, and innovation.”

The Chancellor, Dr Khotso Mokhele, had the honour of handing over the gown to Prof Petersen. Prof Lis Lange, Vice-Rector: Academic, explained the relationship between the university and the Basotho people, and how this relationship is honoured through the official procession gowns of the UFS. The Basotho blanket is worn by kings, and the university therefore hopes that the symbolism of the gown would be a source of inspiration to Prof Petersen.

The event was concluded by congratulatory messages from former colleagues and the President of the Student Representative Council on the Bloemfontein Campus, SK Luwaca. The event was elegant and graceful – the inaugural address was thought-provoking and inspiring.

Official Inauguration Ceremony:

19 May 2017
Bloemfontein Campus

Description: Official Inauguration photo small Tags: Official Inauguration photo small

"I challenge you to dream big and do big." - Prof Petersen

Photo Caption: Dr Khotso Mokhele, Chancellor of the UFS, robes Prof Francis Petersen as Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS.
Photo: Johan Roux

Short biography of Prof Francis Petersen
Inaugural address: 19 May 2017
Transcription of the ceremony
Photo Gallery
Video

Welcoming Ceremonies:

The week of 11-19 May 2017 was one of the highlights in this year’s calendar for staff and students of the University of the Free State (UFS), with various ceremonies taking place to welcome Prof Francis Petersen – who assumed his duties on 1 April 2017 – as the 14th Vice-Chancellor and Rector. The festivities culminated in the official inauguration ceremony at the Bloemfontein Campus on 19 May 2017.

The Qwaqwa Campus welcoming ceremony took place on Thursday 11 May 2017, attracting a wide spectrum of community leaders from the area. Prof Petersen was welcomed by representatives from the two trade unions, National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) and UVPERSU, as well as representatives from the Student Representative Council (SRC), the Thabo Mofutsanyana Education District, and the House of Traditional Leaders. Paramount Queen Mopeli of the Bakoena Royal House bestowed a special honour upon Prof Petersen by clothing him in a traditional Basotho blanket and hat. She said, "From our heart of hearts, welcome, Prof Francis ..., and all Godspeed during your tenure."

The South Campus in Bloemfontein hosted a welcoming ceremony for the new Vice-Chancellor and Rector on 18 May 2017. The ceremony included a number of vocal performances and messages from various stakeholder groups. The same afternoon, the Institute for Reconciliation and Social Justice (IRSJ) also facilitated a panel discussion, titled Diversity, inclusivity, and social justice and the renewed call for decolonisation, in the Albert Wessels Auditorium (AWO) on the Bloemfontein Campus.

The welcoming ceremonies culminated in an event in the Callie Human Centre on Friday 19 May 2017 at the Bloemfontein Campus, with a number of performances by musicians associated with the UFS, marimbas, drum majorettes from Jim Fouche Secondary School, the Grey College Gumboots, and school choirs from Eunice Secondary School, Brebner Primary School, and Willem Postma Primary School. Representatives from key stakeholders such as Nehawu, UVPERSU, the Campus Ministries Forum, SRC, Alumni, Convocation, and the UFS Council had the opportunity to convey their messages of welcome to Prof Petersen.

The formal inauguration ceremony took place in the Odeion Theatre on the Bloemfontein Campus the same day.

Qwaqwa Campus ceremony:

11 May 2017
Qwaqwa Campus

"Qwaqwa Campus is the perfect laboratory for sustainable sciences.” – Prof Petersen

Photo caption: Paramount Queen Mopeli of the Bakoena Royal House with Prof Petersen and his wife, Cheslyn.
Photo: Mamosa Makaya

Photo Gallery
Video

Read the full story
Transcription of the ceremony

South Campus ceremony:

18 May 2017
South Campus

"South Campus: you aspire excellence, adding to diversity and you are innovative in what you do." - Prof Petersen

Photo caption: Flag bearers and drummers walking to the Madiba Arena.
Photo: Hannes Pieterse

Photo Gallery

Read the full story
Transcription of the ceremony

Bloemfontein Campus panel discussion:

Panel discussion: Diversity, inclusivity and social justice and the renewed call for decolonisation
18 May 2017
Bloemfontein Campus

Description: Panel discussion 18 May 2017 Tags: Panel discussion 18 May 2017

"The UFS should be a place of belonging for everyone." - Prof Petersen

Photo caption: from left: SK Luwaca (SRC President, Bloemfontein Campus), Prof Elelwani Ramugondo (UCT), Prof Francis Petersen (UFS), Prof Melissa Steyn (WITS), Prof Andre Keet (UFS)
Photo: Lelanie de Wet

Photo Gallery

Read the full story
Transcription of panel discussion

Bloemfontein Campus ceremony:
19 May 2017
Bloemfontein Campus

Description: Bloem welcoming ceremony on 19 May 2017 Tags: Bloem welcoming ceremony on 19 May 2017

"I can just say, Wow! I've experienced a lot during the welcoming functions on all three campuses." - Prof Petersen

Photo caption: Prof Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS
Photo: Rulanzen Martin

Photo Gallery

Read the full story
Transcription of the ceremony

Photo gallery of Inauguration and Welcoming Ceremonies

Back

Economic and Management Sciences

Education

Health Sciences

The Humanities

Law

Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Theology and Religion

Open Distance Learning

Business School

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept