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EDS / EDXRF Detector

Definition

Silicon-drift detector mounted at a fixed take-off angle to the sample that reads characteristic X-rays emitted as the primary beam ionises atoms and electrons relax. Energy resolution at the Mn K-alpha line is about 125 eV. Element range runs from boron (Z = 5) to uranium, with detection limit of roughly 0.1 weight percent under standard conditions.

Related terms

ASTM E1588
ASTM International standard practice for gunshot residue analysis by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectrometry. Defines particle classification (characteristic, consistent-with, indicative), morphology...
Back-Scattered Electron (BSE)
High-energy electron from the primary beam that has bounced elastically off a nucleus and exited the sample. BSE yield increases with atomic...
Environmental SEM (ESEM)
Variant of conventional SEM that runs the sample chamber at higher pressure (up to several torr of water vapour) instead of the...
Secondary Electron (SE)
Low-energy electron (below 50 eV) ejected from the top few nanometres of the sample when the primary beam knocks a loosely bound...
Sputter Coating
Vacuum-deposition technique that lays a thin (5 to 15 nm) conductive layer of gold, gold-palladium or carbon onto a non-conductive sample (polymer,...

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