Electron Microprobe (EPMA)

Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA) is an elemental analysis technique that uses a focused beam of high-energy electrons to non-destructively ionize a solid specimen surface, which induces the emission of x-rays that are characteristic to the elements present. 

Typical Applications

  • Quantitative elemental analysis of materials 
  • Establishing bulk compositions at the micron to sub-micron scale 
  • Geological studies: mineral analysis, igneous petrology, etc. 
  • Metallurgical research and failure analysis 
  • Thin film composition determinations 
  • Semiconductor materials and ceramic analyses 
  • Anthropological and art history investigations 
Image WDX map of magnesium concentration changing in a Al-Mg95Gd5 diffusion couple, superimposed on a BSE image
WDX map of Mg concentration in a Al-Mg95Gd5 diffusion couple.

Instruments

CAMECA SX100 Electron Microprobe.
CAMECA SX100 Electron Microprobe
  • 5 wavelength dispersive spectrometry (WDS) Bragg spectrometers, each equipped with 2-4 diffraction crystals 
  • ThermoFisher Scientific System Six Silicon Drift Detector (SDD) for EDS
  • Capable of simultaneous WDS and EDS acquisitions 
  • SE, BSE, and CL detectors

 

 

Instrument Contact: Julie Chouinard