651-0046-00L  Electron Microscopy Course (SEM and EPMA)

SemesterAutumn Semester 2023
LecturersJ. Allaz, L. Grafulha Morales
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish


AbstractTheory and lab demo of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electron microprobe analysis (EPMA) applied to geological materials: introduction to the instruments, interaction of electron with matter, electron imaging (SE, BSE, CL), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), X-ray analysis for the chemical characterisation of solid material at the micron-scale.
Learning objectiveUnderstand how the instrument works, why it is used, and how the different signals are being generated and analysed. Ability to treat and to present analytical results, such as calculating a mineral formula from a mineral analysis.
ContentPhysical principles of electron microscopy: electron optics, interaction of electrons with matter, production of X-rays, interaction of X-rays with matter, X-rays detection and analysis. The second part of the course includes several demonstrations on various SEMs (at ERDW and ScopeM) and one EPMA at DERDW.
Lecture notesScript will be provided, along with copies of the course presentations.
Literature[HIGHLY recommended]
- Goldstein, J.I. et al., (2003, third ed.): Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Microanalysis. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4615-0215-9

[Additional references]
- Reed, S.J.B. (2005, second ed.): Electron Microprobe Analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy in Geology.
- Reed S.J.B. (1993, second ed.): Electron Microprobe Analysis
- Anderson, C.A. (1973): Microprobe Analysis. Wiley & Sons, New York.
Prerequisites / NoticeNo prerequisite required beside basic knowledge of petrology and mineralogy. Attending the "Analytical Methods in Geology and Petrology" prior to this course is an advantage.
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesTechniques and Technologiesassessed
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesassessed
Decision-makingassessed
Problem-solvingassessed
Project Managementassessed
Social CompetenciesCooperation and Teamworkassessed
Personal CompetenciesCreative Thinkingassessed
Critical Thinkingassessed