A versatile partial electron yield detector with large acceptance angle and well-defined threshold energy and gain

► We present a novel partial electron yield detector for XAS measurements on solid samples. ► The detector has a well-defined gain, covers a large solid angle and is easy to build and operate. ► Quantitative operation is verified by comparing monolayer XAS-spectra with theoretical estimates. ► Determination of absolute absorption cross-sections from adsorbed atoms and molecules becomes feasible.