Conversion of EDX linescans to concentration

In summary: Actually, I'm not. But they were some of the papers I read when I was about to learn the physics of SEM.
  • #1
Salish99
28
0
I have recorded cross sections of a surface layer on a substrate in a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and took EDX (energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy) linescans across the layer.

These are typically given in counts or cts per second.

Now, I know the average thickness of the layer from SEM and image analysis, and know the total area, so I know the volume, but I need to know how many moles or how many grams of the atoms I deposited I have to get a concentration c = g/cm^3 or c,mol = mol/cm^3. How can I convert the EDX linescans into grams or mols?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
anyone kindly has an idea?
 
  • #3
I wish I can help, but I only use the EDX spectrum when I use the SEM only to identify the elements present, rather than to make quantitative determination of the concentration. I hope someone else who is familiar with such technique can respond.

I have a paper that may have either some technique, or at least make a reference to it, on doing such a determination. Check it out and see if it might help.

http://www.jneurosci.org/cgi/reprint/18/17/6623.pdf

Zz.
 
  • #4
ZapperZ said:
I have a paper that may have either some technique, or at least make a reference to it, on doing such a determination. Check it out and see if it might help.
http://www.jneurosci.org/cgi/reprint/18/17/6623.pdf
Zz.

Oh, you're working on biomembranes and ion selective ionophores?
These might be of interest to you:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bioelechem.2006.05.009
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002%2Fjcp.20476
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #5
Salish99 said:
Oh, you're working on biomembranes and ion selective ionophores?
These might be of interest to you:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bioelechem.2006.05.009
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002%2Fjcp.20476

Actually, I'm not. But they were some of the papers I read when I was about to learn the physics of SEM.

Zz.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Related to Conversion of EDX linescans to concentration

1. What is the purpose of converting EDX linescans to concentration?

The purpose of converting EDX linescans to concentration is to determine the elemental composition and concentration of a sample. This information is crucial in many fields of research, such as materials science, environmental science, and biological studies.

2. How are EDX linescans converted to concentration?

EDX linescans are converted to concentration by calibrating the instrument using known standards, such as pure elements or compounds. The intensities of the elements in the linescan are compared to the intensities of the standards, and a calibration curve is used to determine the concentration of each element in the sample.

3. What factors can affect the accuracy of EDX linescan conversion to concentration?

Several factors can affect the accuracy of EDX linescan conversion to concentration, including instrumental parameters (such as beam current and detector efficiency), sample composition and morphology, and the quality of the standards used for calibration.

4. Can EDX linescans be used for quantitative analysis?

Yes, EDX linescans can be used for quantitative analysis. However, it is important to note that EDX is a semi-quantitative technique, meaning that the results are relative rather than absolute. Therefore, it is necessary to use appropriate calibration standards and consider potential sources of error when interpreting the results.

5. Are there any limitations to converting EDX linescans to concentration?

One limitation of converting EDX linescans to concentration is that it only provides information about the surface of the sample. This means that it may not accurately represent the composition and concentration of the entire sample. Additionally, certain elements may be difficult to detect or may overlap with other elements in the linescan, making it challenging to accurately quantify their concentration.

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