before and after Thermo Scientific color SEM application.
EDS analysis (energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, also known as EDX analysis) is a powerful technique for the study of micro-scale chemical composition. Combined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), EDS derives compositional information from the X-rays that are emitted when the electron beam scans over a sample. The range of elements that can be detected spans almost the entire periodic table, and the data provided by EDS is essential for a range of applications, from process/quality control to failure analysis and fundamental research. As a result, almost every SEM is equipped with an EDS system.
Thermo Scientific ColorSEM Technology revolutionized EDS analysis, providing you with elemental information much more quickly and easily than traditional third-party solutions. Fully integrated within the user interface of the SEM, elemental information is displayed as color in the live image, meaning that SEM is no longer a greyscale technique. ColorSEM Technology is based on live quantification and builds on decades of our expertise in EDS analysis, guaranteeing reliable results. Since ColorSEM Technology is always on, it doesn’t just dramatically shorten your time to results. It also shows features that would have previously gone unnoticed, giving you more complete information.
Benefits of EDS analysis with ColorSEM Technology
Complete information - ColorSEM Technology provides the most comprehensive micro-scale elemental composition possible. Immediate color results allow researchers to see the big picture, revealing defects or imperfections they might have otherwise missed.
Always on - Integrated color imaging and elemental analysis means researchers no longer need to move from SEM imaging to EDS analysis for each sample, thereby decreasing the time spent developing color images.
Increased productivity - For quick screening of composition, ColorSEM Technology gives you access to elemental information 2-4 times faster than conventional techniques.
Broader userbase - With exceptional ease of use and immediate color results, ColorSEM Technology makes elemental information accessible to everyone. Multi-user labs can readily increase the number of scientists or engineers who can use their facilities.
ColorSEM Technology is always on and enables any user to acquire elemental data – you’ll have more access to complete information than ever before. See just a few examples of the utility of simultaneous EDS and SEM analysis with the videos below.
Elemental information in the blink of an eye
This video is taken on the Thermo Scientific Prisma E SEM equipped with a 30 mm2 EDS detector. We demonstrate the speed of ColorSEM Technology with composition automatically identified (AutoID) and easy selection of elements of interest.
Highlight contrast that would otherwise go unnoticed
ColorSEM Technology is always on – you no longer have to switch applications when you need elemental information; instead live results are shown in the SEM user interface. This video highlights several forms of elemental information (point and area).
Reliable results
Elemental information is useless when it is not reliable. This video shows how ColorSEM Technology is capable of dealing with X-ray peak overlap and deconvolution – making sure that your elemental information is correct and relevant, even in live color imaging.
Want to learn more? Download our ColorSEM Technology brochure for more information ›
See how ColorSEM Technology enables you to see the most complete sample information and detect defects or imperfections you might have previously missed. Also, discover how it gives you access to elemental information 2-4 times faster than conventional techniques.
Documents
See how ColorSEM Technology enables you to see the most complete sample information and detect defects or imperfections you might have previously missed. Also, discover how it gives you access to elemental information 2-4 times faster than conventional techniques.
Documents
Quality Control
Quality control and assurance are essential in modern industry. We offer a range of EM and spectroscopy tools for multi-scale and multi-modal analysis of defects, allowing you to make reliable and informed decisions for process control and improvement.
Fundamental Materials Research
Novel materials are investigated at increasingly smaller scales for maximum control of their physical and chemical properties. Electron microscopy provides researchers with key insight into a wide variety of material characteristics at the micro- to nano-scale.
Battery Research
Battery development is enabled by multi-scale analysis with microCT, SEM and TEM, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, and digital 3D visualization and analysis. Learn how this approach provides the structural and chemical information needed to build better batteries.
Polymers Research
Polymer microstructure dictates the material’s bulk characteristics and performance. Electron microscopy enables comprehensive microscale analysis of polymer morphology and composition for R&D and quality control applications.
Metals Research
Effective production of metals requires precise control of inclusions and precipitates. Our automated tools can perform a variety of tasks critical for metal analysis including; nanoparticle counting, EDS chemical analysis and TEM sample preparation.
Forensics
Micro-traces of crime scene evidence can be analyzed and compared using electron microscopy as part of a forensic investigation. Compatible samples include glass and paint fragments, tool marks, drugs, explosives, and GSR (gunshot residue).
Oil and Gas
As the demand for oil and gas continues, there is an ongoing need for efficient and effective extraction of hydrocarbons. Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a range of microscopy and spectroscopy solutions for a variety of petroleum science applications.
Geological Research
Geoscience relies on consistent and accurate multi-scale observation of features within rock samples. SEM-EDS, combined with automation software, enables direct, large-scale analysis of texture and mineral composition for petrology and mineralogy research.
Automotive Materials Testing
Every component in a modern vehicle is designed for safety, efficiency, and performance. Detailed characterization of automotive materials with electron microscopy and spectroscopy informs critical process decisions, product improvements, and new materials.
Fibers and Filters
The diameter, morphology and density of synthetic fibers are key parameters that determine the lifetime and functionality of a filter. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is the ideal technique for quickly and easily investigating these features.
Electron microscopy services for
the materials science
To ensure optimal system performance, we provide you access to a world-class network of field service experts, technical support, and certified spare parts.
