Electron Energy-loss Spectrum Imaging Research Articles

Multivariate statistical analysis of a series of alchemi spectra

Multivariate statistical analysis (MSA) of a series of spectra or images offers an objective and quantitative way to characterize the features of the spectra that vary in a correlated fashion and to determine the number of independently varying components in the series. For example, in a series of spectra showing grain boundary segregation, there may be only one independently varying spectral component, which signifies an increase in the concentrations of the segregants and a corresponding decrease in the concentrations of some of the matrix constituents. The basis of the MSA method has been outlined by Trebbia and Bonnet, with application to the analysis of electron energy-loss spectrum images. Titchmarsh et al., have applied this analysis to a series of energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectra for the study of grain boundary segregation. The present paper illustrates the application of MSA methods to a series of EDX spectra acquired for ALCHEMI analysis. The basic method has been modified slightly for the analysis of ALCHEMI data.

Development and application of a dry ultramicrotomy technique for the preparation of galvanneal sheet coatings.

The formability of galvanneal steel sheets used in the automotive industry is influenced by the presence and distribution of brittle and difficult to distinguish Zn-Fe intermetallics in the coating. Characterization of these intermetallics requires a high spatial resolution technique such as analytical transmission electron microscopy (ATEM). Sample preparation by ion milling is impossible due to iron redeposition, and traditional ultramicrotomy using water affects the coating chemistry. A technique based on dry ultramicrotomy has therefore been developed. To optimize the technique, different parameters (knife angle, cutting medium, thickness setting on the ultramicrotome, cutting speed) have been investigated for the preparation of galvanneal coatings and pure A1 sections. Results show that dry cutting does not affect the coating chemistry but shortens the life of the knife. Knife quality (cleanliness, sharpness and absence of defects) is a major factor to obtain good dry sections. The best results for the more ductile pure A1 are obtained with a 35 degrees knife whilst for the harder galvanneal coating it is recommended to use a 55 degrees knife. These results suggest that the sectioning mechanism for the harder material involves more a cleavage-fracture mechanism whilst a greater amount of shear is involved when sectioning relatively ductile A1. The optimum parameters for sectioning galvanneal coatings are established and results obtained by parallel electron energy loss spectrum imaging and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry in the TEM are given. This study shows that with a good control of all the sectioning parameters it is possible to obtain good sections repeatedly and rapidly.