Description
Book SynopsisScanning electr on microscopy (SEM) and x-ray microanalysis can produce magnified images and in situ chemical information from virtually any type of specimen. The two instruments generally operate in a high vacuum and a very dry environment in order to produce the high energy beam of electrons needed for imaging and analysis. With a few notable exceptions, most specimens destined for study in the SEM are poor conductors and composed of beam sensitive light elements containing variable amounts of water. In the SEM, the imaging system depends on the specimen being sufficiently electrically conductive to ensure that the bulk of the incoming electrons go to ground. The formation of the image depends on collecting the different signals that are scattered as a consequence of the high energy beam interacting with the sample. Backscattered electrons and secondary electrons are generated
Trade ReviewThis handbook should find its way to the reference bookshelf of all imaging laboratories. It should also become required reading for anyone being trained for SEM work, or anyone who might need to have their samples examined by using such techniques. In that way, it will be less likely that deficient results will be published and that the full potential of the SEM be realized. -- Iolo ap Gwynn, Microscopy and Microanalysis (2010)
Table of ContentsSample Collection and Selection.- Sample Preparation Tools.- Sample Support.- Sample Embedding ?and Mounting.- Sample Exposure.- Sample Dehydration.- Sample Stabilization for Imaging in the SEM.- Sample Stabilization to Preserve Chemical Identity.- Sample Cleaning.- Sample Surface Charge Elimination.- Sample Artifacts and Damage.- Additional Sources of Information.
