Among the microanalytical techniques, electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) is one of the most powerful. Its performances can be used to provide an accurate characterization. In the present article the differences between the EPMA of highly irradiated materials and standard EPMA are highlighted. It focuses on the shielded EPMA specificities. Then, the article presents the difficulties encountered...

We present methods combining backscattered-electron (BSE) mosaic imaging, quantitative spot-mode electron-probe microanalysis (EPMA), and quantitative compositional mapping by EPMA and micro-xray fluorescence (μXRF) to provide a framework for detailed analysis of terrestrial and lunar samples. BSE imaging provides a base map for the characterization of samples by EPMA. Recent developments in im...

An electron probe X-ray microanalysis (EPMA) technique using an energy-dispersive X-ray detector with an ultra-thin window, designated low-Z particle EPMA, has been developed. The low-Z particle EPMA allows the quantitative determination of concentrations of low-Z elements such as C, N, and O, as well as higher-Z elements that can be analyzed by conventional energydispersive EPMA. The quantitat...

Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) is used to quantify with a high accuracy the amount of different elements present on a sample of unknown composition. In the nuclear field, EPMA is largely used to quantify the amount of actinides present in fresh and irradiated fuels. EPMA is also used to manage waste disposal, to analyze sample from severe accidents and to assess the design of next-generati...

Fluorine and chlorine X‐ray count rates are known to vary significantly during electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) of apatite. Since the rate, timing, and magnitude of this variation are a function of apatite orientation and composition, as well as EPMA operating conditions, this represents a significant problem for volatile element analysis in apatite. Although the effect is thought to be an i...

Electron-probe x-ray micro analysis (EPMA) and particle-induced x-ray emission analysis (PIXE) were performed under grazing-exit conditions. To control the exit angle (take-off angle), a new sample holder having a stepping motor was developed for grazing-exit EPMA. A carefully polished surface of a stainless-steal sample was measured. The surface of stainless steel is normally covered with a th...

A pluridisciplinary approach was used to define iodine immobilization mechanisms by biocarbonates in a natural marine carbonate-bearing clayey formation. For this purpose, different techniques of observation (optical microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), cathodoluminescence (CL)) and of analyses (infrared spectrometry (IR), electron microprobe (EPMA), spatially resolved synchrotron-ba...

Our previous histopathological study showed that the augmentation block, prepared from a calcium phosphate cement (CPC) mixed with H2O at powder to liquid ratio of 5 g/mL, placed on the alveolar bone ridge, was gradually replaced by natural bone. In the present study, fluorescent labeling analysis (FLA) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) were performed on the same surgical site of the abov...

CP titanium was polished with a colloidal silica suspension and chromic oxide slurry under low and high pressures. The polished surfaces were characterized by means of EPMA and XPS. Irrespective of polishing pressure, colloidal silica suspension successfully created a mirror-like surface that was clean at EPMA level. However, XPS detected a small amount of silicon on the outermost surface. On t...

Interest in the use of EPMA at low voltage has grown considerably in recent years, mainly because of the availability of electron-beam instruments equipped with field-emission guns. However, EPMA at low voltage is marred by both experimental and analytical problems which may affect the accuracy of quantitative results. In the case of the analysis of transition elements, both the emission and ab...