Introduction to Weeks Hall SEM Lab

We acquired, thanks to financial assistance from the National Science Foundation, an Hitachi S3400 variable pressure SEM in 2006. We were able to upgrade the EDS and EBSD in 2017. Features include

• Oxford AZtec EDS system (SDD)
• Oxford EBSD system
• Gatan PanaCL/F system
• Hitachi very sensitive BSE detector
• Hitachi environmental secondary electron detector

This instrument is relatively easy to use, but does require some instruction/training, the extent of which depends upon exactly what you want to do with it. Imaging is rather uncomplicated. EBSD requires more training. And usage of EDS, both under high vacuum and even more so under VP conditions, is not to be done without discussion with the lab manager or assistant, as it is very easy to make major mistakes of interpretation of EDS data. Users are urged to read the class notes below on VP SEM and pitfalls of EDS. (Be wary of black boxes...)
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Some resources for people considering using SEM:

• Geol777 Lecture on Variable Pressure SEM and pitfalls
• Geol777 Lecture on CL
• Geol777 Lecture on EDS (note: does not deal with EDS in VP mode, only in high vacuum mode)
• Geology 777 (EPMA Class) Information
• JEOL booklet on SEM practices

Back to Main SEM Lab page