Analytical Methods at the ZWL

Analysis with CL

Specific compounds of ceramic or synthetic materials radiate visible light when bombarded with electrons. This effect is called "cathodoluminescence" and can be used to identify phases and distinguish varied modifications of a compound with even the same composition.

Analysis with Cryo

Cryo-transfer preparation and analysis of samples that are sensitive to electronic beams (organic, biological) as well as of liquid, paste-like, and aneroid samples.

Analysis with EDX

Analysis with our EDX system from EDAX permits identification from the chemical element boron onwards. In addition to quantitative element analysis, we also offer the following methods of analysis:

• Element allocation (mapping, line scan)
• Automatic identification of particles and phases

Analysis with VP

Non-conductive samples which require a conductive coating in a conventional high vacuum can be analysed in the VP mode (variable pressure mode) without coating.

Analysis with XRD

Whereas EDX analyses the chemical composition of a sample, XRD (x-ray diffraction) determines the phases or compounds in which these elements can be found in the given sample.
Should an analysis with EDX detect the chemical elements titanium and oxygen, for example, an analysis with XRD will not only indicate the existence of titanium dioxide, but also whether this compound is existent in the rutile or the anatase phases.