Electron Probe Microanalysis Laboratory
This instrument has only recently been installed and is currently undergoing testing and calibration. When testing is complete, this page will be updated with more specific information about using the lab. We plan to serve the needs of UH and other academic institutions, government, and private organizations.
Capabilities
Precise chemical analysis of very small samples (or small portions of samples) down to approximately 1 micron (0.001mm) in size. All elements heavier than carbon can be detected, many at levels down to the 100ppm range.
Imaging samples at 1 micron resolution using backscattered and secondary electrons (similar to an SEM) as well as "mapping" element concentrations.
The analysis is essentially non-destructive.
Applications
Typical applications include analysis and imaging of:- Individual mineral grains and portions of zoned or inhomogenious grains in rocks and sediments.
- Gemstones including diamond.
- Metallurgical specimens with complex phase mixtures or chemical inhomogeneity, thin films, and platings.
- Synthetic materials of various types such as ceramics, glasses, electronic devices, resin composites, and nano-particles.
- Biological materials such as phytoliths, teeth, bones, shells, medical implant materials, and archaeological artifacts
- Forensic samples (small particles and chips).
The Technique
An electron beam is focussed on the sample producing x-rays with wavelengths characteristic of the constituent elements. The x-ray intensities at the appropriate wavelengths are directly related to the concentration of the corresponding elements.
The Instrument
The microprobe is a CAMECA SX50 housed in Room 236 of the Science and Research Building I
People
Dr. John F. Casey, Dr. Yongjun Gao, Dr. Thomas J. Lapen, Dr. Virginia Sisson, Dr. J. C. Stormer
