Scanning Electron Microscopy, SEM Analysis
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) provides high-resolution and long-depth-of-field images of the sample surface and near-surface. SEM is one of the most widely used analytical tools due to the extremely detailed images it can quickly provide. Coupled to an auxiliary Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) detector, SEM also offers elemental identification of
nearly the entire periodic table.
Evans Analytical Group® (EAG) uses SEM analysis in cases where optical microscopy cannot provide sufficient image resolution or high enough magnification. Applications include failure analysis, dimensional analysis, process characterization, reverse engineering, and particle identification. EAG's
expertise and range of experience is invaluable to the industries and customers we serve. Person-to-person service ensures good communication of the results and their implications. Customers are often present during the analysis, enabling an immediate sharing of data, imaging and information.
Please click here to learn about EAG's EMview software for SEM, FIB, TEM, and STEM data processing and display.
- High resolution images
- Elemental microanalysis and particle characterization
Signal Detected: Secondary & backscattered electrons and x-rays, absorbed current, light (Cathodoluminescence) and induced current (EBIC)
Elements Detected: B-U (EDS mode)
Detection Limits: 0.1-1at%
Depth Resolution: 0.5-3µm (EDS)
Imaging/Mapping: Yes
Lateral Resolution/Probe Size: 15-45Å
- Rapid, high-resolution imaging
- Quick identification of elements present
- Good depth of field
- Versatile platform that supports many other tools
- Vacuum compatibility typically required
- May need to etch for contrast
- SEM may spoil sample for subsequent analyses
- Size restrictions may require cutting the sample
- Ultimate resolution is a strong function of the sample and preparation
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Biomedical/biotechnology
- Compound Semiconductor
- Data Storage
- Defense
- Displays
- Electronics
- Industrial Products
- Lighting
- Pharmaceutical
- Photonics
- Polymer
- Semiconductor
- Solar Photovoltaics
- Telecommunications
Related Application Notes
- Identification of Foreign Material on Pharmaceutical Tablets
- Chemical Imaging of Pharmaceuticals AN466
- Characterization of Surface Contamination BN1365
- Measuring the Morphological Structure of Porous Materials BN1504
- Microtomy Advantages for Cross-sectioning Materials BN1399
- Thickness and Uniformity of Silver Antimicrobial Coatings BN1333
- Automated Particle Analysis by SEM/EDS AN379
- Physical and Chemical Characterization of Multi-layer Thin Films AN353
- Characterization Methods for Copper Technology AN192
Related Brochures
- EBSD Services Technique Note
- EAGLABS Bubble Chart: Analytical Resolution versus Detection Limit BR004
- Materials Characterization Brochure
- PV Materials Characterization for CIGS BR053
- PV Silicon Impurity Analysis BR025
- LED Brochure BR061
- Electron Microscopy Services BR018
- Materials Characterization for Lithium Ion Battery Technology BR057
- Typical Applications for Techniques / Periodic Table of Elements BR038
- Biomedical Service Brochure BR003
- Amorphous & MicrocrystallineThin Film PV - Application Discussion BR046
- III-V Multi-Junction PV - Application Discussion BR048
- Silicon Wafer PV - Application Discussion BR044
- Your Solution for PV Materials Characterization BR032
- Compound Semiconductors for Optoelectronics - SIMS Analytical Services BR010
- Contamination Analysis for Compound Semiconductors - Analytical Services BR006
- EAG Services Introduction BR011
- EAG Technique Chart BR008
- EAGLABS Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)/Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) Services TN108




