Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS)
EDS Readings taken at 4000 X Original Magnification of a Ni-Cr-Fe alloy showing grain boundary, lamellar, and dispersed precipitation with the composition of the different phases shown in the table. Note the Fe and Ni depleted grain boundary precipitates (locations 2 and 3 and location 1 to a lesser extent), the Nb rich precipitate phase (location 4), and the base material composition (locations 5 and 6). Readings were attempted on the dispersed precipitates (locations 7-10) but the size of the precipitates was below the resolution limit for EDS.
EDS Mapping of surface damage to a Cr and Mn rich coating on a Ni-Cr-Fe alloy reveals the composition of the original surface material and the exposed material underneath.
How Does It Work?
An EDS system is used in conjunction with a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The electrons that are used in imaging in the microscope sometimes interact with the electrons on the atoms in the sample being observed, which excites these electrons to a higher energy state. When the electrons drop back down to their base energy, they release x-rays of characteristic energy. Each element can only release electrons of certain energies, and so by examining the x-rays generated, it is possible to determine what elements are present and the relative concentration of those elements.
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