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651-0046-00L 3 Credits MSC D-ERDW
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Electron Microscopy Course (SEM and EPMA)

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Luiz Grafulha Morales, Dr. Julien Allaz
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:31:08

Abstract

Theory and lab demo of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electron microprobe analysis (EPMA) applied to geological materials: introduction to the instruments, interaction of electron with matter, electron imaging (SE, BSE, CL), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), X-ray analysis for the chemical characterisation of solid material at the micron-scale.

Objective

Understand how the instrument works, why it is used, and how the different signals are being generated and analysed. Ability to treat and to present analytical results, such as calculating a mineral formula from a mineral analysis.

Content

Physical principles of electron microscopy: electron optics, interaction of electrons with matter, production of X-rays, interaction of X-rays with matter, X-rays detection and analysis. The second part of the course includes several demonstrations on various SEMs (at EAPS and ScopeM) and one EPMA at D-EAPS.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Script will be provided, along with copies of the course presentations.

Literature

[HIGHLY recommended] - Goldstein, J.I. et al., (2003, third ed.): Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Microanalysis. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4615-0215-9 [Additional references] - Reed, S.J.B. (2005, second ed.): Electron Microprobe Analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy in Geology. - Reed S.J.B. (1993, second ed.): Electron Microprobe Analysis - Anderson, C.A. (1973): Microprobe Analysis. Wiley & Sons, New York.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
The course is graded based on several homework, exercises, and readings, and will include a final exam in the form of a homework to be completed at home and returned to the lecturers before the end of January 2026.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Electron Microscopy Course (SEM and EPMA)
First half of the semester with 2 hrs/wk of theory in NO F39, then 4 hrs/wk of additional theory in NO F39 (until ~mid November) followed by four practicals in NW A90.1 and at ScopeM until the end of the semester. Details will be given in the first lesson.
  • Tue 08:15-10:00 (NO F 39)
  • Tue 08:15-12:00 (NO F 39)
  • Tue 08:15-12:00 (NW A 90.1)
42 h semesterly

Offered In