Sem/eds analysis services in the USA
Sem/eds analysis services in Chelmsford? ?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. Read more info at microvision laboratories.
An affected floor tile was submitted to determine if the previous mold testing had missed a source on the tile backing or mastic. Additionally, a new tile from the same manufacturing lot was submitted for comparison. The process of preparing and examining the sample and reference tile was documented. Areas with darkened surface features were imaged and then cut out and examined. While the dark spots looked very discrete when examined by eye, under top light polarized microscopy they appeared more diffuse at the outer edges. The darkest areas surrounded what appeared to be particles embedded in the surface.
Do you do any animal testing? No. Do you analyze any tissue samples or blood samples? No. We do not do any blood analyses and we are not set up to prepare tissue samples. What are some of the cool samples you have looked at under the scanning electron microscope? We have seen 10,000 year old Wolly Mammoth hair, meteorites, an artificial heart valve, civil war bullets, insulin pumps, rare colonial coins, a kidney stone, and a few things we can’t talk about. But some of the more mundane samples, like wood or salt crystals, have proven to be extremely interesting subjects to image.
Translucent or transparent coatings on metallic or semi-conductor substrates are very difficult to image due to their reflective nature. Nomarski/DIC imaging is an effective method for accentuating differences in thickness, density or the optical index in these cases. This analysis enhances and highlights subtle features with brilliant color gradients and captures them with a high resolution digital imaging system. Let us bring out your sample’s hidden features. Discover a few extra details at here.
As indicated in the FTIR spectral comparison below, the suspect material showed a near perfect match for acetylsalicylic acid. Additionally, there was a small amount of dibasic phosphate present. It was determined that the material was likely acetylsalicylic acid with a phosphate binder – an aspirin. Therefore, from this analysis the suspect material in the bottle was likely a household aspirin tablet, broken apart and separated by the water. In order to confirm the identification, a few aspirin tablets from several common manufacturers were obtained, roughly ground, and soaked to allow for comparison. The optical morphology of the crystals, size range of the particles, association with the phosphate and FTIR spectrum all were consistent with the original suspect material. A report detailing the methods and findings in full narrative form was rendered to the client.