This text provides students as well as practitioners (engineers, technicians, physical and biological scientists, clinicians, and technical managers) with a comprehensive introduction to the field of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray microanalysis. The authors emphasize the practical aspects of the techniques described. Topics discussed include user-controlled functions of scanning electron microscopes and x-ray spectrometers, the characteristics of electron beam - specimen interactions, image formation and interpretation, the use of x-rays for qualitative and quantitative analysis and the methodology for structural analysis using electron back-scatter diffraction. SEM sample preparation methods for hard materials, polymers, and biological specimens are covered in separate chapters. In addition, techniques for the elimination of charging in non-conducting specimens are detailed. A data base of useful parameters for SEM and X-ray micro-analysis calculations and enhancements to the text chapters are available on an accompanying CD.
This text is written by a team of authors associated with SEM and X-ray Microanalysis Courses presented as part of the Lehigh University Microscopy Summer School. Several of the authors have participated in this activity for more than 30 years.
There is no other single volume that covers as much theory and practice of SEM or X-ray microanalysis as Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray Microanalysis, 3rd Edition does. It is clearly written [and] well organized[.]... This is a reference text that no SEM or EPMA laboratory should be without. --Thomas J. Wilson, in Scanning, Vol. 27, No. 4, July/August 2005 "As the authors pointed out, the number of equations in the book is kept to a minimum, and important conceptions are also explained in a qualitative manner. An enhancement CD gives useful database and more detailed discussions on some equations. A lot of very distinct images and schematic drawings make for a very interesting book and help readers who study scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis. The principal application and sample preparation given in this book are suitable for undergraduate students and technicians learning SEEM and EDS/WDS analyses. It is an excellent textbook for graduate students, and an outstanding reference for engineers, physical, and biological scientists." (Microscopy and Microanalysis, 9:5 (October 2003)