Emission spectrum and intensity
panchromatic imaging
Material Analysis · Structure & Spectroscopy
Cathodoluminescence Spectroscopy (CL)
Characterise emission spectrum and intensity, defect or dopant-related luminescence, and spatial variation in growth, phase, or recombination using a scope agreed around your sample and decision.
- Price
- from£90 per sample, excl. VAT
- Turnaround
- 10 working days Preparation and scope dependent
- Available platforms
- Delmic SPARC SpectralGatan MonoCL4/Goldenscope Rainbow
- Typical outputs
- CL imagesEmission spectraWavelength-resolved maps and annotated featuresProcessed spectra
Why this service
What CL can help you understand
Cathodoluminescence Spectroscopy is selected when the project needs defensible information on emission spectrum and intensity, defect or dopant-related luminescence, or spatial variation in growth,…
Defect or dopant-related luminescence
spectral CL
Spatial variation in growth, phase, or recombination
time-resolved or cryogenic CL where available
Choose the scope
Start from the question, not the tool
The method, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to decide.
Panchromatic imaging
emission spectrum and intensity
- Best used when
- emission spectrum and intensity
- Typical result
- CL images
- Preparation note
- Confirm dimensions, cutting permission and whether the original geometry must be preserved.
Spectral CL
defect or dopant-related luminescence
- Best used when
- defect or dopant-related luminescence
- Typical result
- Emission spectra
- Preparation note
- Confirm dimensions, cutting permission and whether the original geometry must be preserved.
Time-resolved or cryogenic CL where available
spatial variation in growth, phase, or recombination
- Best used when
- spatial variation in growth, phase, or recombination
- Typical result
- Wavelength-resolved maps and annotated features
- Preparation note
- Confirm dimensions, cutting permission and whether the original geometry must be preserved.
Common outputs
A result package matched to the decision you need to make
Fields, conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.
CL images reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.
Emission spectra supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.
Wavelength-resolved maps and annotated features provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.
Processed spectra included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.
Example results
What CL results can look like
The image shows cathodoluminescence spectroscopy of bulk and nanoporous Au. a Scanning electron microscopy image of bulk gold.
Tlek Tapani et al. · source · CC BY
The plot shows cathodoluminescence spectra of ND–ZnO 5, ND–ZnO 10, ND–ZnO 15, and ND–ZnO 20 composites.
Research source · source · CC BY
The plot shows cathodoluminescence spectra of the HAp powder, and the HAp-P3, HAp-P4, and HAp-P5 pellets, highlighting persistent.
Research source · source · CC BY
The plot shows cathodoluminescence spectra of the as-synthesized and annealed HAp powder in O 2 atmosphere at 773 K.
Research source · source · CC BYSample requirements
What to provide before work begins
Provide representative, clearly labelled samples and identify the decision, feature or comparison that matters.
| Suitable sample | Submission requirement | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Solid / component | Provide a clean, stable and clearly labelled specimen with the target face or region identified. | Confirm dimensions, cutting permission and whether the original geometry must be preserved. |
Objective: state the decision, comparison or acceptance criterion the work must support.
Handling and access: declare hazards, instability, confidentiality, file constraints or special logistics before dispatch or transfer.
Questions and answers
Common planning decisions
Short answers to issues that can change preparation, scope, timing or interpretation.
What should I send for Cathodoluminescence Spectroscopy?
Provide solid / component as applicable. Exact quantity, dimensions and preparation are confirmed during technical review.
Which analysis option should I choose?
Choose the mode around the decision you need to make. For emission spectrum and intensity, start with panchromatic imaging; add spectral CL when comparison or quantification is required.
How long will the test take?
Typical turnaround is 10 working days after sample acceptance and method confirmation.
What can limit the result?
Emission is affected by beam conditions, charging, temperature, and defects. Non-luminescent phases provide no direct contrast.
Configure the service
Send the information needed to scope CL correctly
- Sample form, material, dimensions and quantity
- Feature or decision the result must address
- Required comparison, acceptance criterion or reference
- Preferred output and reporting depth