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SEM Applications

The SEM images the surface structure of bulk samples, from the biological, medical, materials sciences, and earth sciences up to magnifications of ~100,000x. The images have a greater depth of field and resolution than optical micrographs making it ideal for rough specimens such as fracture surfaces and particulate materials. Images are recorded in a digita format. There is also the option of looking at frozen samples which has applications in the food technology and pharmaceutical fields. EDS allows elemental analysis with the SEM. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the elements Sodium to Uranium but excluding Lanthanides, Actinides and gases down to levels of ~0.1 wt%, and from an area of ~1um in diameter. X-ray mapping is also possible, which shows the distribution of elements within a sample. X-ray linescans show the concentration variation of elements along a line on the sample.

Surface Morphology

Fractured carbon fibre reinforced composite

Inside surface of eggshell

EDS spectrum and quantitative analysis of the mineral Albite

Oxide Wt% Cation
Na2O 11.47 0.97
Al2O3 19.51 1.01
SiO2 68.36 2.99
K2O 0.24 0.01
CaO 0.28 0.01
Cr2O3 0.11 0.00

Total 99.97 4.99

X-ray mapping of precipitates in a stainless steel

X-ray linescans from the above sample

Stereo images of a catalyst

Relax the eyes as if focusing on a distant object to see the 3 dimensional image. There is a 10 degree tilt between the left and right image. Field of view 45um x 45um