Links in this section:

 

Introduction
Fundamentals of the TEM technique
Beam-sample interaction
The Analytical TEM
Detector Protection
Qualitative Analysis
Quantitative Analysis
Microanalysis Examples (1)
Microanalysis Examples (2)
Microanalysis Examples (3)
Summary

 

Summary

 

EDS offers a routine microanalytical solution for determining nano-scale chemical variations in the TEM. By looking at a very thin specimen at high accelerating voltage, the electron-sample interactions are minimized, which means that X-rays are only generated from a volume of similar diameter to the electron beam. This allows the study of chemical features which are much smaller than can be studied in the SEM.

 

The complex construction of the TEM, combined with the energetic and varied nature of radiation generated by the beam, offers a challenge to the designers of EDS systems. An EDS detector for the TEM is a compromise which offers the best combination of solid angle, take-off angle, spectral performance and overload protection. Software for the TEM must account for the specialized requirements of analysis in the TEM including, quantitative analysis of thin films, drift correction, long dwell time acquisitions, and high kV excited lines.

 

Combining these functions, an EDS system can provide the same detailed information on the nm scale that is provided on the µm scale in the SEM. This includes the ability to do accurate identification of constituent elements, or determine elemental concentrations, and collect drift corrected spectrum image datacubes for complete data reconstruction of maps, linescans, and spectra.

 

Selected references on microanalysis in the TEM

 

Cliff, G. and Lorimer, G.W. (1975) The Quantitative Analysis of Thin Specimens. J. Microsc. 103:179

Garratt-Reed, A.J. and Bell, D.C. (2003) Energy Dispersive Analysis in the Electron Microscope. Chapter 6. Royal Microscopical Society Microscopy Series-49, Bios Scientific Publishers Ltd.

Goldstein, J.I., Williams, D.B., and Cliff, G. (1986). Principles of Analytical Electron Microscopy. Plenum Press. New York.

 Romig, A.D. Jr. (1986). Analytical Transmission Electron Microscopy. Metals Handbook, 9th. edition, 10, American Society for Metals, Metals Park, Ohio.

Scott, V.D. and Love, G. (1983) Quantitative Electron-Probe Analysis. Chapter 13. John Wiley and Sons Williams, D. B., and Carter, C.B.(1996)

Transmission Electron Microscopy, a Textbook for Materials Science. Chapters 35-36. Plenum Press, New York. Sheridan, P. J. (1989) J. Electr. Microsc. Tech. 11, 41

 Oxford Instruments. (2002) Energy Dispersive X-ray Microanalysis Hardware Explained. Oxford Intruments Analytical Ltd.

Zaluzec, N.J. (1979) Introduction to Analytical Electron Microscopy. Plenum Press, New York.

 

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