By the end of this course participants are expected to be able to:

• identify the various components making up an SEM
• understand how an SEM works
• understand the processes of signal generation and detection in the SEM
• understand how to optimise the performance of the SEM.

Specific topics covered

• How does the SEM work
• The Electron Gun
• The Electron Column
• The Vacuum System
• Signals in the SEM
• Aberrations
• Depth of Field
• Optimising SEM Conditions
  • Image Resolution
  • Low Voltage SEM

Scanning Electron Microscopes and Electron Microprobe

Applications using SEM

• Mineral mapping in a Stromboli volcanic rock
• Electronic Backscatter Diffraction mapping

Maximum number of students: 8