Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/M006646/1
Training workshop in Analytical SEM and Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA) in the geological sciences
Training Grant Award
- Lead Supervisor:
- Mr c jones, The Natural History Museum, Facilities
- Grant held at:
- The Natural History Museum, Facilities
- Science Area:
- Earth
- Overall Classification:
- Earth
- ENRIs:
- Biodiversity
- Natural Resource Management
- Science Topics:
- Earth & environmental
- Mineralogy
- Properties Of Earth Materials
- Abstract:
- Proposals for NERC Advanced Training Short Courses (ATSC) Training Workshop in the application of Analytical Scanning Electron Microscopy (ASEM) and Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA) in the Earth Sciences A four-day course for postgraduates and researchers in academia and industry. Science Facilities 2 workshops, 4 days duration each. 8 places per course(16 total). Dates November 2014 & February 2015 Course outline and objectives To provide a fundamental theoretical background to Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS) and Wavelength Dispersive Spectrometry (WDS) using analytical scanning electron microscopy (ASEM) and electron microprobe microanalysis (EPMA), coupled with practical sessions run by staff experienced in analytical SEM and microprobe analysis of diverse mineral samples. The practical elements of the course will concentrate on materials relevant to the research foci of the course participants: Hands-on use of analytical scanning electron microscopes and a Cameca SX100 electron microprobe Use of off-line computers for image and data processing Lectures and practical sessions will be held in state-of-the-art meeting rooms and laboratories Course tutors and equipment Staff from the Imaging & Analysis Centre of the Science Facilities Department at the Natural History Museum give participants as much 'hands-on' experience as possible during the course, using modern electron beam instruments, including analytical scanning electron microscopes and an electron microprobe. Where possible, the participants' own samples are used for discussion of appropriate preparation and analysis routes. Course contents Why we analyse minerals, and the techniques now available History and recent developments in ASEM and electron probe microanalysis Interactions between electrons and a specimen: Production of X-rays, their emission, absorption and secondary fluorescence Basic design of X-ray microanalysis instruments: Vacuum systems Electron guns, electromagnetic lenses and scanning Beam current setting, measurement and stability Electron detectors and imaging: Secondary electron detectors and absolute surface topographic imagery Backscattered electron detectors and compositional (z-number) contrast Cathodoluminescence detectors in use on diverse materials X-ray detectors: Energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS) by lithium-drifted Silicon (Si(Li)) and Silicon Drift (SDD) detectors Wavelength-dispersive spectrometry (WDS) Quantitative analysis: Sample preparation for quantitative analysis Standardization procedures, choice of appropriate standards Recognition and determination of light elements in samples Overlaps and interferences in EDS and WDS Matrix corrections EDS vs. WDS in different applications and as complementary techniques Assessing data quality, precision, accuracy, detection limits and the correct way to present analytical data. Element mapping by EDS and WDS Image processing, compositional classification, area analysis Automated stage control, image montages, 'point-counting', particle recognition and analysis Applications and limitations of imaging and analysis in variable pressure (and environmental) scanning electron microscopes Applications of software packages in EPMA Virtual WDS software MinIdent software
- NERC Reference:
- NE/M006646/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Doctoral Training
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Advanced Training
This training grant award has a total value of £20,339
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Other Costs |
|---|
| £20,339 |
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