EDX (Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy)

  • Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) is commonly coupled with SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) or TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) to provide elemental analysis on areas as small as nanometer scale.
  • An electron beam strikes the surface of the sample and characteristic X-rays of the elements will be emitted out.
  • With EDX, you can determine the elemental composition of individual points or conduct element mapping out of the selected area.

Strengths Limitations

- Quick and inexpensive analysis
- Widely available tools in SEM
- Mature technology

- Element specific
- Lack of chemical bonding information
- Time consuming



More information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy-dispersive_X-ray_spectroscopy