See all workshops @ AMAS XVII

This half day workshop will focus upon the theory and practice of electron probe microanalysis, and is aimed towards being an introduction to the technique for newcomers, as well as a refresher for more experienced users. The emphasis will be on analysis of inorganic polished samples, with discussion to include analysis of particles, thin films, and other materials as they are brought up by the attendees.

Topics will include:

• Sample preparation and mounting
• Coating and cleaning samples prior to analysis (Note: there is an advanced sample preparation workshop)
• Basics of X-ray production (analytical volume, characteristic and continuum X-rays)
• WDS and EDS X-ray spectrometry (detection, pulse processing, deadtime correction, calibration)
• Setting up a quantitative analysis run (EDS vs. WDS, standards, spectrometers, strategy, evaluation of results)
• Matrix correction: understanding parameters (ZAF, phi-rho-Z, example compositional systems)
• Software tools for visualizing and understanding EPMA (e.g. CASINO, DTSA, CalcZAF).
• Instrumental performance and calibration, procedures, internal consistency of data
• Evaluating analyses and analytical runs, detecting and correcting problems

Beginners to experts that are doing electron-probe microanalysis using wavelength-dispersive and energy-dispersive spectrometry, which includes SEM-EDS as a sub-discipline.

• Paul Carpenter, EPMA guru, Senior Staff Research Scientist, Washington University - St. Louis

The workshop will be held on Monday the 9th of February, starting at 9:00AM.

Clive Pratt Room, Bld 121, Western Precinct, CSIRO Clayton Site, Research Way, Clayton. Go to CSIRO Western reception.

Attendees should bring their laptops if possible; several of the tools are PC applications, so Windows laptops are best for this. PDFs of the lectures will be distributed to the attendees - these will include links to the software.