Parallel angle-resolved XPS (PARXPS) analysis without sample tilting, ability to collect angle-resolved XPS spectra over a 60 degree angular range, in parallel, without tilting the sample and allows the instrument to characterise ultra-thin films non-destructively, allows composition depth profiling using an integrated etching module, X-ray monochrmator with user-selectable spot size in the range 15um to 400um,. Ability to handle large or multiple samples, CCD sample alignment microscope perpendicular to the sample surface.