Discrimination and mapping of phase distributions by automated crystal orientation measurement

Abstract

Automated crystal orientation measurement/mapping (ACOM) in the SEM enables a fast phase discrimination and the automated acquisition of phase distribution maps at submicrometre resolution, if the phases belong to different Laue groups or if their lattice constants are at least significantly different. The database can further be used for quantitative determination of phase contents, phase boundary characterisation, and mesoscale texture analysis for each phase, such as crystal orientation mapping (COM), texture analysis (orientation density function, pole figures, misorientation distribution function), characterisation of grain and phase boundaries, and orientation stereology.