In the ever-evolving landscape of materials science and analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS or EDX) stands out as a critical tool for researchers, engineers, and quality control professionals. When paired with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), EDS transforms a high-resolution image into a rich map of elemental composition—unlocking the secrets hidden within the microstructure of materials.
Unlocking the power of SEM-EDS: Elemental analysis with Thermo Scientific Phenom desktop SEM
Unlocking the power of SEM-EDS: Elemental analysis with Thermo Scientific Phenom desktop SEM
From quality control and failure analysis in manufacturing to advanced research in academic laboratories, SEM-EDS empowers users to not only visualize but also understand the elemental composition of materials at the micro and nanoscale.
At the forefront of this innovation is the Thermo Scientific Phenom desktop SEM, a compact and intuitive SEM platform that brings powerful EDX capabilities into everyday laboratories and production environments. The Phenom desktop SEM systems combine high-performance imaging with powerful, user-friendly EDX capabilities. With features such as live elemental mapping, automated drift correction, and intuitive data processing, the Phenom desktop SEMs provide a seamless and efficient workflow.
What is EDS and how does it work
Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy is a non-destructive technique that identifies and quantifies the elements within a sample by detecting the characteristic X-rays emitted when the sample is hit by a focused electron beam. Each element emits X-rays at unique energy levels, allowing the EDS detector to provide both qualitative and quantitative data on the sample’s composition. When used in conjunction with SEM imaging, this enables simultaneous morphological and elemental analysis of the same region of interest.
To learn more about the principles and applications of EDS in compact SEM systems, check out this article on chemical analysis using desktop SEM microscopes.
Versatility and wide range of applications
One of EDS’s greatest strengths is its adaptability. It can be used across a broad range of materials—from metals and ceramics to polymers and biological specimens. EDS identifies major, minor, and trace elements, making it invaluable for detecting defects, contaminants, or inclusions at the micro and nanoscale. And since the technique is non-destructive, the sample remains intact for further testing or archiving.
In industrial settings, EDS plays a vital role in quality assurance. It helps verify material composition, pinpoint impurities, and trace the origin of defects—contributing to better process control and product consistency. High-throughput systems like the Phenom XL SEM support large-area analysis, making them ideal for production environments.
In regulated industries like pharmaceuticals and food, EDS ensures compliance and batch uniformity. In academic and R&D labs, it’s essential for in-depth material characterization. Researchers working at higher resolutions can benefit from tools like the Phenom Pharos, which offers field emission imaging and EDS integration.
For failure analysis, for example SEM-EDS reveals not only what went wrong but why. From identifying corrosion to detecting foreign particles, this dual technique offers comprehensive insights into product breakdowns.
EDS facemask
Special offer: Introducing the analytical Phenom ProX promotion package
For a limited time, we are offering the Thermo Scientific Phenom ProX with SED and ChemiSEM at a unique package price, along with one software license of your choice. You can choose from the following advanced analytical tools:
- 3D Roughness Reconstruction
- ParticleMetric
- PoroMetric
- FiberMetric
Interested in the promotion package?
All of this is available at a fixed promotion price significantly lower than usual, providing exceptional value. Contact here our sales team if you are interested in benefiting from this offer.
Phenom desktop SEM and ChemiSEM technology
The Phenom desktop SEM’s ChemiSEM technology enhances productivity by delivering continuous, real-time quantitative elemental data during imaging. It overcomes common challenges in traditional EDS, such as overlapping peaks and slow acquisition times, through advanced spectrum deconvolution and automatic peak assignment. ChemiSEM’s unique ability to store a spectrum at every pixel ensures that data can be re-analyzed without the need to reacquire, offering unmatched flexibility and reliability.
Contaminants imaging
Contaminants identification
Advanced features: ChemiPhase, Elemental Mapping and the MAPS software extension
ChemiPhase—an extension of the ChemiSEM platform—enables unbiased phase identification by systematically analyzing statistically significant spectra across the entire sample. This allows users to detect even minor or trace elements without prior knowledge of the sample composition, enhancing confidence in the results. For full correlation and automation capabilities across Thermo Scientific SEM platforms, consider MAPS Software, which supports EDS mapping and advanced measurement modules.
Download the EDX periodic table poster
We are pleased to offer a downloadable poster: The periodic table of elements for EDX analysis with the Phenom desktop SEM. This visually enhanced periodic table highlights X-ray line families and crystal structures to help users quickly identify elements detectable with the Phenom SEM.
More info about Desktop SEM solutions?
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