Dislocation structures and density trends
selected-area ECCI
Material Analysis · Microscopy & Imaging
Electron Channelling Contrast Imaging (ECCI)
Characterise dislocation structures and density trends, grain and sub-grain contrast, and near-surface deformation and defects using a scope agreed around your sample and decision.
- Price
- from£180 per sample, excl. VAT
- Turnaround
- 5 working days Preparation and scope dependent
- Available platforms
- ZEISS GeminiSEM 560Thermo Fisher Apreo 2TESCAN CLARA
- Typical outputs
- Electron-channelling contrast imagesAnnotated defect populationsOptional EBSD-correlated maps and density estimatesMethod-specific images
Why this test
What ECCI can help you understand
Electron Channelling Contrast Imaging is selected when the project needs defensible information on dislocation structures and density trends, grain and sub-grain contrast, or near-surface deformation and defects. A…
Grain and sub-grain contrast
EBSD-guided ECCI
Near-surface deformation and defects
comparative deformation series
Choose the scope
Start from the question, not the instrument
The measurement mode, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to learn from the sample.
Selected-area ECCI
dislocation structures and density trends
- Best used when
- dislocation structures and density trends
- Typical result
- Electron-channelling contrast images
- Preparation note
- Confirm the applicable standard, dimensions, loading direction and number of replicates.
EBSD-guided ECCI
grain and sub-grain contrast
- Best used when
- grain and sub-grain contrast
- Typical result
- Annotated defect populations
- Preparation note
- Confirm dimensions, cutting permission and whether the original geometry must be preserved.
Comparative deformation series
near-surface deformation and defects
- Best used when
- near-surface deformation and defects
- Typical result
- Optional EBSD-correlated maps and density estimates
- Preparation note
- Confirm the applicable standard, dimensions, loading direction and number of replicates.
Common outputs
A result package matched to the decision you need to make
Fields, measurement conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.
Electron-channelling contrast images reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.
Annotated defect populations supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.
Optional EBSD-correlated maps and density estimates provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.
Method-specific images included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.
Sample requirements
What to send
Provide representative, clearly labelled samples and identify the region, feature or comparison that matters.
| Suitable sample or input | Submission requirement | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Test coupon / specimen | Provide labelled specimens prepared to the agreed geometry, orientation and surface condition. | Confirm the applicable standard, dimensions, loading direction and number of replicates. |
| 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. |
Region of interest: include a marked image, sketch or reference when the target feature is localised.
Handling: declare hazardous, magnetic, volatile, moisture-sensitive, beam-sensitive or temperature-controlled material before dispatch.
Questions and answers
Common planning decisions
Short answers to issues that can change preparation, scope or interpretation.
What should I send for Electron Channelling Contrast Imaging?
Provide test coupon / specimen, 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 dislocation structures and density trends, start with selected-area ECCI; add EBSD-guided ECCI when comparison or quantification is required.
How long will the test take?
Typical turnaround is 5 working days after sample acceptance and method confirmation.
What can limit the result?
Contrast is orientation-sensitive and quantitative density requires a defined counting method. Not all dislocation types or depths are equally visible.
Configure the service
Send the information needed to scope ECCI correctly
- Sample form, material, dimensions and quantity
- Feature or decision the result must address
- Marked region of interest where relevant
- Required comparison, output and reporting depth