Quantitative Assessment and Measurement of X-ray Detector Performance and Solid Angle in the Analytical Electron Microscope

Abstract

A wide range of X-ray detectors and geometries are available today on transmission/scanning transmission analytical electron microscopes. While there have been numerous reports of their individual performance, no single experimentally reproducible metric has been proposed as a basis of comparison between the systems. In this paper, we detail modeling, experimental procedures, measurements, and specimens which can be used to provide a manufacturer-independent assessment of the performance of an analytical system. Using these protocols, the geometrical collection efficiency, system peaks, and minimum detection limits can be independently assessed and can be used to determine the best conditions to conduct modern hyperspectral and/or spectrally resolved tomographic analyses for an individual instrument. A simple analytical formula and specimen is presented which after suitable system calibrations can be used to experimentally determine the X-ray detector solid angle.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Dec 09, 2021
Source ID
10.1017/s143192762101360x

Entities

People

  • Nestor J. Zaluzec

Organizations

  • Office of Science

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Nanofabrication and Microfabrication.
  • Spectroscopy.
  • Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Structures.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics