Equipment 

 

Scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer (SEM/EDS)

At the beginning of 2008, the Geological Survey of Slovenia obtained a new analytical instrument for morphological surface analysis and qualitative to semi-quantitative chemical microanalysis of materials. This instrument is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS).

Basic SEM/EDS components andprinciples of operation:

A number of signals, such as secondary electrons (SE), backscattered electrons (BSE) and X-rays, result from interactions of a focused scanning electron beam with the atoms of a specimen, thus providing different information about the sample.

  • SE provide topographical image of sample surface
  • BSE depend on atomic number and provide relative compositional image of the sample
  • X-rays provide information about elemental composition of the sample

SEM/EDS at the Geological Survey of Slovenia is applied to different fields of geology.


Palaeontological studies:

Low-vacuum mode enables a non-destructive analysis of valuable samples without prior preparation.



Recrystallised foraminifer Ophthalmidium sp. from the Bača dolomite

Sedimentary petrological studies:

High resolution and magnification can be achieved in high-vacuum mode.



An imprint of framboidal pyrite in a quartz grain from oligocene marine clay

Coal studies:

Samples containing gases and liquids can be observed in low vacuum. High magnification image of homogeneous coal reveals flaky structure, which is important for understanding of coal porosity.

Flaky structure in homogeneous finedetritic lignite

Mineralogical studies of materials:

Mineral composition of materials can be accurately determined by semi-quantitative elemental EDS analysis of polished sections.

Olivine, rhombic pyroxene and plagioclase matrix with EDS spectra in chondrite meteorite
Truncated octahedral pyrite crystal associated with zeolite crystals in tuff

Geochemical studies of environmental media:

SEM/EDS supplements geochemical analyses with data on morphology, mineralogy and sources of heavy metal-bearing phases in environmental media.

BSE image and EDS mapping of elements in river sediment
Solid spherical particle of (Cr, V, Fe)-oxide from urban snow deposit, resulting from iron and steel meltingprocesses

Other applications:

Wood structure in xylite with detail of bordered pit
Truncated octahedral pyrite crystal associated with...

More information:

  • Miloš Miler, tel.: +386 1 2809 767, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • dr. Polona Kralj, tel.: +386 1 2809 746, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.