Micro-area elemental composition
spot quantification
Material Analysis · Composition & Elemental
Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA)
Characterise micro-area elemental composition, phase and inclusion chemistry, and element maps, traverses, and diffusion profiles using a scope agreed around your sample and decision.
- Price
- from£120 per sample, excl. VAT
- Turnaround
- 15 working days Preparation and scope dependent
- Available platforms
- Shimadzu EPMA-8050GJEOL-JXA 8530FJXA iHP200F
- Typical outputs
- Quantitative spot analysesWDS/EDS maps and line profilesStandards, corrections, and analytical conditionsProcessed chromatogram or spectrum
Why this service
What EPMA can help you understand
Electron Probe Microanalysis is selected when the project needs defensible information on micro-area elemental composition, phase and inclusion chemistry, or element maps, traverses, and diffusion…
Phase and inclusion chemistry
automated mapping
Element maps, traverses, and diffusion profiles
line traverse or phase analysis
Choose the scope
Start from the question, not the tool
The method, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to decide.
Spot quantification
micro-area elemental composition
- Best used when
- micro-area elemental composition
- Typical result
- Quantitative spot analyses
- Preparation note
- State the substrate, nominal thickness and whether sectioning or mounting is permitted.
Automated mapping
phase and inclusion chemistry
- Best used when
- phase and inclusion chemistry
- Typical result
- WDS/EDS maps and line profiles
- Preparation note
- Confirm dimensions, cutting permission and whether the original geometry must be preserved.
Line traverse or phase analysis
element maps, traverses, and diffusion profiles
- Best used when
- element maps, traverses, and diffusion profiles
- Typical result
- Standards, corrections, and analytical conditions
- Preparation note
- State the substrate, nominal thickness and whether sectioning or mounting is permitted.
Common outputs
A result package matched to the decision you need to make
Fields, conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.
Quantitative spot analyses reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.
WDS/EDS maps and line profiles supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.
Standards, corrections, and analytical conditions provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.
Processed chromatogram or spectrum included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.
Sample 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Film / coating | Provide the coated substrate or a flat film with the test surface and coating side clearly marked. | State the substrate, nominal thickness and whether sectioning or mounting is permitted. |
| 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 Electron Probe Microanalysis?
Provide film / coating, 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 micro-area elemental composition, start with spot quantification; add automated mapping when comparison or quantification is required.
How long will the test take?
Typical turnaround is 15 working days after sample acceptance and method confirmation.
What can limit the result?
Interaction volume limits spatial resolution and mixes very small phases. Light elements, roughness, coating, and standard quality affect accuracy.
Configure the service
Send the information needed to scope EPMA 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