The unique capability of the electron microprobe is the ability to determine the composition (elements Be – U) of materials using wavelength dispersive spectroscopy (WDS). Common materials that are analyzed using the instrument include minerals, powders, thin films, and metals/alloys.
The electron microprobe is also commonly used for imaging purposes with the capability of producing secondary electron (SE) images, backscattered electron (BSE) images, cathodoluminescence images (CL), and compositional wavelength dispersive (WDS) maps/images.
Our instrument also has an electron dispersive spectrometry system (EDS) that allows for the rapid identification of elements within a material.
Instrument Configuration
- The Cameca SXFive at Texas A&M uses a LaB6 source
- Thermo EDS system
- CL detector
The instrument has five spectrometers with the following crystal configuration:
- LTAP and LPET
- TAP, PET, PC0, and PC2
- LPET and LLiF
- PET, LiF, PC1, and PC3
- LPET and LLiF
To be trained or have analysis done on this instrument, please contact Dr. Andrew Mott.
