EDAX Element Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS/EDX) System

The EDAX Element energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS/EDX) system delivers robust analytical capabilities within a compact package, enhancing both flexibility and performance. It offers streamlined operation for ease of use and rapid results. This system is primarily designed for the industrial sector, where addressing application-specific challenges with speed and precision is paramount.

An Element silicon drift detector (SDD), in combination with the user-friendly EDAX APEX^™ software, provides a comprehensive EDS microanalysis solution suitable for a wide range of analytical needs and high-throughput industrial applications.

Element silicon drift detectors

The Element SDDs are designed with a silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) window, which optimizes the transmission of low-energy X-rays for the analysis of light elements. These detectors are equipped with advanced, low-noise electronics that deliver exceptional throughput performance and superior resolution.

The Element SDDs feature a compact design, offering flexibility while ensuring ideal geometry and data collection conditions. These detectors come equipped with a 30 mm² chip and are provided with a manual slide for convenient handling.

Element SDD with manual slide. Image Credit: Gatan

Benefits

The Element SDDs deliver exceptional results for light elements and offer top-notch performance at low energies.

As shown in Figure 1, a 5 kV spectrum of a printed circuit board (PCB) cross-section illustrates a low-energy Sn M peak situated between the C K and O K peaks of an epoxy, highlighting their remarkable capabilities.

Reliability

The design of the SDDs, combined with the durability and material properties of the Si₃N₄ window, ensures the most reliable and robust detectors for EDS applications. Their exclusive module design means that they are:

Shock and corrosion-resistant

Suitable for plasma cleaning

Figure 1. Image Credit: Gatan

APEX^™ software platform

APEX^™, the intuitive and user-friendly 64-bit software tailored for the Element EDS system, has been meticulously designed to meet industrial demands. It offers ease of use and yields high-quality results.

Furthermore, APEX^™ simplifies compositional analysis, ensuring top-notch data processing that produces dependable and accurate results. The software's user interface is customizable to accommodate specific workflows, offering a variety of color schemes, layouts, and data report formats.

Image Credit: Gatan