Some Information about
Our Cameca SX51 Electron Microprobe:
updated May 2011
Quantitative-qualitative Chemical Analysis
5 vertical spectrometers, 4 of which hold 2 diffracting crystals each and one with 4 crystals, with detection and quantitative analysis of elements from Be on up the periodic table
Crystals available are LIF, PET, TAP, PC0 (45 A), PC1 (60 A), PC2 (100 A) and PC3 (200 A)
EDS detector (Be window) with detection for Z10
EDS spectral acquisition and 8 ROI for x-ray mapping, using WinEDS software
anti-contamination devices (cold finger, gas jet) for light element work
CITZAF online matrix correction with Probe for Windows - Enterprise Version
Ability to work at low accelerating voltages for light elements in conductive materials and thin films, and model curved backgrounds (exponential or polynomial) with Probe for Windows
Ability to deconvolute first order peak overlaps (e.g. Mo and B) within the matrix correction, using Probe for Windows
Flexible software permits extensive post-processing (e.g., application of alternate standards and background models)
Digital Imaging
X-ray mapping at any user defined scale with MicroImage
Large area mosaic (tile) capability, e.g. BSE image of 20x45 mm area on thin sections
CL photo multiplier
BSE and SE detectors
5 elements by WDS + 4 elements by EDS + 2 electron images (SE, BSE, CL)
Rapid (3 second) 3.5"x5" hard copy images with Sony Video Graphic Printer UP-895MD
Rapid digital image frame capture with Matrox framegrabber
Data
Local Storage of data and images on A320 disk
Storage of data and images onto USB stick
Data may be sent from or retrieved via FTP
Requirements for samples
One inch diameter rounds, or a variety of rectangular glass slides (e.g., 26 x 46 mm common; verify first if you have other sizes)
Additional holder that will accept irregular objects with maximum dimensions 6.5 x 4 x 1.5 mm
For one inch rounds, top surface must be flat and perpendicular to the sides; rigid walled holders strongly recommended (e.g. Buehler ring forms) as plastic "cap plugs" commonly deform
Samples must be degreased and cleaned; ultrasound for a minute in a solvent (like isopropyl alcohol); rinse in distilled water; ultrasound in distilled water for a minute. Dry.
Non-conductive samples must be coated, with carbon-coating the normal method. Samples can be coated in the lab (200 A thickness). DO NOT carbon coat your samples anywhere else but at the UW Probe Lab. There have been too many problems experienced with samples coated elsewhere (especially carbon-sputtered).
Standards
A variety of silicate, carbonate, sulfide, sulfate and oxide minerals are available, as well as metal standards. However, please verify ahead of time that appropriate standards exist.
Scheduling
Generally the microprobe is booked up 2-4 weeks in advance. For users coming in from out of town, it may be possible to sign up for several days in a row (depending upon demand, should minimally be able to get two days).
Charges for Probe Lab Use
Internal Rate: University of Wisconsin System users
Daytime and early evening (9 AM - 9 PM): $35/hour.