Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
FEI Quanta FEG 450
About the Instrument
The FEI Quanta 450 FEG of is a field emission gun – scanning electron microscope (FEG-SEM) used for high-resolution imaging (morphological and compositional) of both conductive and non-conductive specimens at the nanometer-scale resolution (magnification range: from 6 x to 1,000,000 x) and for semi-quantitative X-ray microanalysis. The instrument operates under three imaging modes: high and low vacuum and extended low vacuum modes. The instrument can thus accommodate multiple sample, imaging and analytical requirements for both material and life sciences, allowing investigation of a wide range of traditional and non-traditional samples with or without preparation, including wet samples in their natural state. The coherent high current density (brightness) electron beam delivered by the thermally assisted field emission gun (FEG) enables high imaging resolution down to ~1 nm.
Measurements & Analysis The system delivers exceptional imaging performance across various operating modes:- High Vacuum (HiVac):
The conventional SEM mode used for high-resolution imaging of standard, dry, and conductive samples. - Low Vacuum (LoVac) and ESEM Modes:
Ideal for electrically non-conductive, outgassing, or beam-sensitive samples. It prevents charging artifacts without requiring conductive metal coatings like carbon or gold. - Environmental (ESEM):
Allows for the observation of wet, oily, or outgassing specimens in their natural, hydrated state.
- Analytical and Chemical Measurements
- Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS/EDX)
Is an analytical technique used alongside a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to determine a sample's elemental composition - Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD)
Is a powerful Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) technique used to analyze the crystal structure, orientation, phase, and strain of crystalline materials.
- Morphological and Dimensional Measurements
- Linear and Areal Measurements
- Porosity Characterization
Applications 1. Materials Science and Engineering - Nanoscale Imaging: Provides high-magnification views of metals, ceramics, and polymers down to the nanometer level.
- Failure Analysis: Shows the exact reasons why parts break, such as examining cracks, fractures, or corrosion.
- In-Situ Testing: Uses special heating and cooling stages to watch how materials react to extreme temperatures in real-time.
2. Life Sciences and Soft Materials - Wet Sample Imaging: Allows researchers to view hydrogels, plant tissues, and wet biological specimens in their natural, hydrated state.
- Uncoated Insulators: Views soft plastics and biological samples easily without needing a metal coating.
3. Geology and Mineralogy - Element Mapping: Uses Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) to quickly find and map out the exact chemicals and minerals present in a rock sample.
- Phase Analysis: Helps scientists determine how a rock was formed and how its tiny crystals are arranged using Backscattered Electron Diffraction (EBSD).
4. Nanotechnology and Particles - Particle Characterization: Helps companies and researchers check the size and shape of nanoparticles, powders, and fibers for quality control.
  
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