Jim's Articles

Sem/eds analysis laboratories in the USA

Particle size analysis company in Chelmsford, MA? ?We partner with companies in all phases of product development and sales, including R&D, manufacturing, QC, advertising and failure analysis. Our laboratory offers a highly-trained and experienced staff utilizing a powerful set of analytical tools (SEM with EDS and backscatter detectors, Bruker X-Flash elemental mapping, X-Ray imaging, Micro-FTIR spectroscopy, Micro-XRF, light microscopy, cross sectioning/precision polishing and microhardness testing).

The profile of the flow of the solder at these bonds was documented using the SEM with backscatter imaging, which correlates brightness in the image with atomic density. Some voids were found in the solder as shown the SEM image. An EDS spectrum of the solder was acquired which showed that the solder was a tin/lead (80/20) solder. The EDS map clearly shows the copper wire and copper pad (red) with the tin lead solder (light blue) that appears to have flowed well and made a good bond between the copper elements. This map also shows the fiberglass bundles that add structural integrity to the board. See a few extra info on edx elemental analysis.

Examining the sample with a polarized light microscope (PLM), it was darker and coarser than expected for a mold sample. The dust appeared to be a closed cell, synthetic blown foam material, and all from the same source. The black color was likely due to pigment particles added to color the foam. Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy was performed on the foam particles. The spectrum showed a mixture of spectral features, associated with vinyl acetates, polyurethane, and cellulose or other sugar-like polymers. Based on these features, a common urethane acetate foam was determined as the likely source material.

Have you always been located in Chelmsford, MA? No, for the first four years MicroVision Labs operated at 15 A Street, Burlington, MA. In 2007 we moved to our present location in Chelmsford, MA. What business designation does MicroVision Labs have? MicroVision Labs is designated as a veteran owned small business. How many staff members does MicroVision Labs have? MicroVision Labs is a small business employing 5-10 full-time, part-time, and contract employees.

Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS): While in a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), samples are exposed to high energy electrons in a vacuum, which generates X-rays through secondary electron transitions. Variations in electron configuration specific to each element generate different energy electrons, and thus different signature energy peaks, indicating which elements are present in the sample. Analysis is performed only on areas which are exposed to the electron beam, facilitating precise control of the analyzed area. This means the composition of very small areas or particles in a sample can be taken. Since EDS is performed in the SEM chamber, a quick and easy interrogation of the surface materials as viewed on the SEM is possible. This can be expanded to include the entire sample, please see our Elemental Mapping page. Additionally, relative amount of the elements present can be calculated, generating composition percentages. See a few extra info at https://microvisionlabs.com/.

Problem: A client was a manufacturer of beverages, bottled water, and other drinks. They received a customer complaint through one of their distributors, which indicated that a customer had been drinking a bottle of water, and as they neared the bottom of the bottle, found a mysterious white powder floating in the bottom. The customer returned the bottle and complained. The client hoped to identify the powder so they could both satisfy their end customer, as well as identify any potential problems in their manufacturing or bottling process.