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ENERGY DISPERSIVE X-RAY SPECTROSCOPY
Description of Technique ~ Analytical Information ~ Typical Applications ~ Sample Requirements
Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS or EDX) is a chemical microanalysis technique used in
conjunction with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). (See Handbook section on SEM.)The EDS
technique detects x-rays emitted from the sample during bombardment by an electron beam to
characterize the elemental composition of the analyzed volume.
Features or phases as small as 1 μm or less can be analyzed.
EDS Spectrum for Alloy MP35N The EDS x-ray detector measures the relative abundance of
emitted x-rays versus their energy. The detector is typically a lithium-drifted silicon, solid-state device.
When an incident x-ray strikes the detector, it creates a charge pulse that is proportional to the energy
of the x-ray. The charge pulse is converted to a voltage pulse (which remains proportional to the xray
energy) by a charge-sensitive preamplifier. The signal is then sent to a multichannel analyzer where
the pulses are sorted by voltage. The energy, as determined from the voltage measurement, for each
incident x-ray is sent to a computer for display and further data evaluation. The spectrum of x-ray
energy versus counts is evaluated to determine the elemental composition of the sampled volume.
Qualitative Analysis - The sample x-ray energy values from the EDS spectrum are compared with known characteristic x-ray energy values to determine the presence of an element in the sample. Elements with atomic numbers ranging from that of beryllium to uranium can be detected. The minimum detection limits vary from approximately 0.1 to a few atom percent, depending on the element and the sample matrix.
Elemental Map for the Microstructure of a White Iron CastingQuantitative Analysis - Quantitative results can be obtained from the relative x-ray counts at the characteristic energylevels for the sample constituents. Semi-quantitative results are readily available without standards by using mathematical corrections based on the analysis parameters and the sample composition. The accuracy of standardless analysis depends on the sample composition. Greater accuracy is obtained using known standards with similar structure and composition to that of the unknown sample.
Elemental Mapping - Characteristic x-ray intensity is measured relative to lateral position on the sample. Variations in x-ray intensity at any characteristic energy value indicate the relative concentration for the applicable element across the surface. One or more maps are recorded simultaneously using image brightness intensity as a function of the local relative concentration of the element(s) present. About 1 μm lateral resolution is possible.
EDS Linescan Across Plated PCB Layers• Foreign material analysis
• Corrosion evaluation
• Coating composition analysis
• Rapid material alloy identification
• Small component material analysis
• Phase identification and distribution
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
Samples up to 8 in. (200 mm) in diameter can be readily analyzed in the SEM. Larger samples, up to
approximately 12 in. (300 mm) in diameter, can be loaded with limited stage movement. A maximum
sample height of approximately 2 in. (50 mm) can be accommodated. Samples must also be compatible
with a moderate vacuum atmosphere (pressures of 2 Torr or less).
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