Join EDAX for Monthly Microanalysis Web Seminars

EDAX hosts a series of microanalysis web seminars that offer education on microanalysis technologies available to you today. The seminars will run for approximately one hour with time allowed for questions and answers. Please note, time or schedule may be subject to change. For more information please contact EDAX web seminars.

One approach to improving fuel efficiency in automobiles is lowering vehicle weight. Developing and implementing lightweight structural materials for use as automotive components is one method to reduce weight and improve efficiency. These materials must not only be lighter but must also provide the strength and toughness necessary to maintain safety standards in the event of a crash. In addition, these materials need to be fabricated, assembled and integrated with existing components in a cost-effective manner.

In this web seminar, we demonstrate how EBSD is used to analyze the microstructures of different lightweight structural materials. We see how EBSD can provide insight into the development of ultra-high strength steels, the friction stir welding of aluminum alloys and the texture development of wrought magnesium. Each of these materials is a candidate for lowering vehicle weight and improving fuel efficiency in tomorrow’s automobiles.

This web session discusses principles of trace elemental analysis using micro-X-ray fluorescence (micro-XRF), such as typical detection limits, improving sensitivity with filters, and both qualitative and quantitative analysis of trace elements.

This is illustrated with examples and applications using a variety of samples types such as:
• RoHS-type analysis – Cr, Hg, Pb, Br, Cd
• Quantifying trace elements in samples with organic (undetectable) matrices, such as plastics, oxides, or oils
• High-sensitivity mapping

The need for low energy microanalysis is becoming increasingly prevalent as analytical SEM conditions tend towards low kV in order to provide analysis of surface and finer features. Therefore, EDS collection must be optimized to accommodate the low voltage requirements. This typically requires Silicon Drift Detectors (SDD) with superior collection efficiency of x-ray counts throughput and increased sensitivity of low energy lines such as L lines. Equally important is a high resolution SDD which helps separate these lines which occur at closely spaced energies.

In this web seminar, we demonstrate how the EDAX Octane series of detectors allows high collection efficiency along with high sensitivity and resolution performance for the best work in low kV microanalysis.