Abstract
Since the first demonstration by Cosslett and Duncumb, X-ray mapping by an electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) has become a most popular approach in microanalysis because elemental distributions of constituents in a bulk sample can be displayed visually. The major disadvantage of EPMA mapping is poor spatial resolution (∼ 1 μm). The spatial resolution of X-ray microanalysis can be improved to a few nanometers using electron transparent thin-specimens in the analytical electron microscope (AEM). However, X-ray count rates from thin specimens are strictly limited because of the improved spatial resolution (i.e. smaller interaction volume) and the poor collection efficiency of X-ray. To obtain reasonable counts for accurate quantification in the AEM, extraordinarily long mapping times are required. Therefore, quantitative X-ray mapping is rarely attempted in the AEM. However, these limitations can be overcome by use of intermediate-volt age instruments combined with field-emission guns to increase the beam current-density, careful stage design to maximize the X-ray collection efficiency and the peak-to-background ratio, and ultrahigh vacuum system to reduce contamination.
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