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Scanning Electron Microscopy

Scanning electron microscopy enables imaging of a surface using an electron beam.

By using a variety of detectors topographic imagesatomic number (Z) contrast images and elemental composition information can be obtained from the specimens.

Whilst all reasonable effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of the data we provide using calibration standards, databases and the experience of its qualified staff, the laboratories are not independently certified, and the University does not accept any responsibility for how clients use the data provided.

Our services

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) enables analysis of the surface of a sample using an electron beam. The electron beam interacts with the surface of the sample and a number of signals are emitted from the sample. By using a variety of detectors located in the main chamber of the microscope these signals can be captured and topographic images, atomic-number (Z) contrast images and elemental composition information can be obtained from the specimen.

Our equipment includes a Jeol JSM-5610LV that contains:

  • Tungsten filament Scanning Electron Microscope with Low Vacuum mode
  • Secondary and Backscattered electron detectors
  • Oxford Instruments ‘Aztec’ EDX system with ‘X-act’ thin-window detector with 129 eV resolution at 5.9keV

Our electron microscope services offer the following analytical capabilities:

Sample preparation and handling

Applications

SAgE Analytical has a wealth of experimental knowledge and capabilities in all of our techniques. Please browse our applications below which intend to focus on typical areas of interest and bespoke experimental needs.

If you have questions about the SAgE Analytical Facility or would like to request a quote, contact us.

Our staff

  • Dr Isabel Arce-Garcia, Electron Microscopy Engineer
  • Dr Alasdair Charles, Academic Lead for Electron Microscopy

Contact us

To request a quote, or ask us a question, you can complete our analytical services general enquiry form below.

If you’re a Newcastle University staff member or student, you can visit the internal Research and Analytical Services' intranet page.