Applications

Compositional analysis of major, minor and trace elements

By chemically analysing individual phases (crystals or matrices), we can rapidly obtain high precision chemical compositions for a wide range of major, minor and trace elements (down to 50ppm) ranging from C to U appropriate for many provenance studies

The high spatial resolution of the electron beam makes the microprobe suitable for analysing both single phase materials (such as minerals) or multi-phase materials (such as ceramics or metal alloys).

Compositional mapping of crystalline materials

X-ray mapping can be carried out on micro and macroscopic areas giving detailed information regarding the relative distribution of elements within any given field of view. This provides important spatial information about variations in the chemistry of minerals and crystalline materials.

This approach is a lso suitable for characterising surface treatments, such as plated metals, pigments, enamels or glazed ceramics, to identify the raw materials and production techniques used.

Microstructural analysis of inorganic materials

Using the SE and BS imaging systems in conjunction with rapid compositional measurements (both EDS and WDS) provides evidence of raw material use, decorative techniques and mineral deposition.

Provenance of archaeological materials

The electron microprobe is ideal for analysing micro-samples from rare artefacts due to the combination of high precision compositional analysis, the high spacial resolution of the elctron beam and the high quality electron optics imaging system (SE and BS modes). This allows us to characterise the raw materials used in production.