Photoelectron-emission microscopy (PEEM) is a very versatile tool for studying dynamic processes like growth and phase transitions on surfaces. Here we have applied PEEM to the growth of alpha-sexithiophene (alpha-6T) on Ag(110) surfaces to study the formation of the wetting layer and the initial stage of 3D growth. In this paper we want to point out how different light sources available in the lab can be used to obtain complementary information. We will also discuss the use of linear polarized light (Hg lamp) in this context. (C) 2012 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.