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Introduction to Wavelength Dispersive Spectrometry (WDS / WDX) in the SEM

Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (WDS / WDX) is a microanalytical technique that measures the same X-ray signal as the more commonly employed Energy Dispersive (EDS) elemental characterisation method on a scanning electron microscope (SEM). However, due to the higher spectral resolution that WDS can achieve, the addition of a WD spectrometer brings some significant advantages; (1) the capability to resolve X-ray peaks that overlap in the EDS spectrum, resulting in more accurate element identification and quantification; (2) higher peak to background ratios and therefore lower detection limits (<100 ppm for many elements). Unlike EDS, which generates a spectrum for the whole possible range of energies instantaneously, WDS measures X-rays of one energy at a time, and therefore is typically slower to produce a result. However, in the AZtecWave software WDS and EDS can be combined to produce results that benefit from the advantages of both techniques – speed, accuracy, and sensitivity.

This tutorial introduces WDS and how it works. It also discusses the advantages of a WD spectrometer with a Rowland circle geometry and fully focussing crystals, as found on electron microprobes (i.e., EPMA) and the Wave spectrometer integrated with AZtecWave. Real-world applications examples, and results obtained using SEM based WDS and EDS are presented throughout.

You will learn:

  • The principles of Wavelength Dispersive Spectrometry (WDS/WDX)
  • How the Oxford Instruments Wave spectrometer works and how it enhances a SEM-EDS system
  • When you might want to conduct WDS analysis and typical applications
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On Demand
Time:

On Demand

Duration:

30 Minutes

Language:

English

Businesses:

NanoAnalysis

Speaker

Dr Rosie Jones - Oxford Instruments
WDS Product Manager

Dr Rosie Jones graduated with a BSc and MSc in GeoSciences and Geochemistry from the University of Leeds, and a PhD in Geology ...


 

AZtecWave combines the unique power of WDS to resolve X-ray peaks and quantify minor and trace elements with the speed and flexibility of EDS.