Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy
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Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS)

EDS is a powerful non-destructive technique used for the qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis of the solid sample. This analysis has been widely used in various industries in failure analysis and research and development of product material. This technique can effectively study the elements from carbon to uranium present in the periodic table. In this technique, high energy electrons were injected into the sample to study the various phenomenon. The interaction between the electron and sample leads to the production of primary electrons, Secondary electrons, Auger electrons and Characteristic X-rays. The ejected characteristic X-ray has been detected using the EDS detector to study the elemental analysis. The characteristic peaks are compared with the standard data to identify and quantify the elements present in the sample. The EDS analysis coupled with SEM, STEM and TEM can provide the lateral elemental distribution. Further, this can offer the point scan, line scan and elemental mapping of the sample to obtain the different elemental information.
EDS or Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, unveils a sample’s elemental makeup. All elements from atomic number 4 (Be) to 92 (U) can be detected in principle. A focused electron beam excites atoms, knocking out inner-shell electrons. As the atom seeks stability, it emits a characteristic X-ray with energy specific to the element. By detecting and analyzing the X-ray energy spectrum, EDS identifies and quantifies the elements present within a localized area. This non-destructive technique, often integrated with electron microscopes, provides a powerful tool for elemental analysis across various scientific fields.
- Identifying phases and inclusions in metallic alloys
- Characterizing the composition of coatings and thin films
- Analyzing the elemental composition of failure sites in materials
- Identifying ore minerals and their elemental composition
- Analyzing impurities in metals and alloys
- Characterizing corrosion products on metal surfaces
- Identifying contaminants in electronic components
- Analyzing the elemental composition of semiconductor devices
- Investigating the diffusion of dopant elements in semiconductors
- Characterizing the elemental composition of nanoparticles
- Analyzing the composition of nanostructured materials
- Identifying contaminants on nano materials
- Analyzing the elemental composition of pollutants in air, water, and soil
- Identifying the source of airborne particulate matter
- Characterizing the elemental composition of micro plastics
- Analyzing trace element evidence on crime scene samples
- Identifying the elemental composition of gunshot residue
- Characterizing the elemental composition of paint chips and fibers
- Identifying minerals in rock samples
- Analyzing the elemental composition of meteorites
- Studying the elemental composition of geological formations
- Analyzing the elemental composition of biological tissues
- Identifying elemental markers in disease states
- Characterizing the composition of biomaterials used in implants
- Identifying the pigments used in paintings
- Analyzing the elemental composition of historical materials
- Studying the degradation mechanisms of cultural heritage objects
- Identifying elemental impurities in drugs and pharmaceutical ingredients
- Analyzing the elemental composition of drug delivery systems
- Characterizing the elemental composition of medical devices
- a) It is a non-destructive, meaning that the sample remains intact after analysis, which is crucial for precious or irreplaceable samples.
- b) EDS can detect a wide range of elements
- c) EDS is often integrated with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) allowing for high- resolution imaging and elemental analysis simultaneously.
- Sample size: 0.3-10 cm2
- Solid Sample: 2 g