Principles of X-Ray Spectroscopy

Authors

Edwin R. Levin, David Sarnoff Research Center

Abstract

X-ray spectroscopy has become an essential tool for obtaining local chemical constituent data, particularly for identifying features observed in imaging systems. This tutorial paper is intended to introduce the basic ideas of X-ray spectroscopy, especially to the newcomer to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The primary focus is on energy-dispersive analysis (EDS); however, the close parallels with wavelength-dispersive analysis (WDS) are shown. Topics include electron beam-specimen interactions, X-ray generation and detection, spectral analysis, approaches to quantitation, and limits of detection and resolution.

Recommended Citation

Levin, Edwin R. (1986) "Principles of X-Ray Spectroscopy," Scanning Electron Microscopy: Vol. 1986: No. 1, Article 7.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/electron/vol1986/iss1/7