Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
FEI Quanta 450 FEG Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM)
The FEI Quanta 450 is a High Resolution Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope capable of operation in three different modes:
- Environmental SEM (ESEM)
- Low Vacuum
- High Vacuum
As well as a standard sample stage, the instrument also has cooling, heating and tensile stages.
The Quanta 450 is used to image and analyse surface topography, collect backscattered electron images and characterise and determine a sample's elemental composition through x-ray detection using a SDD EDS detector.
ESEM mode allows in situ imaging of wet samples, which is ideal for plant material and other biological specimens. It can also be used for in situ observation of processes such as hydration and dehydration, corrosion and crystallisation.
Low vacuum mode allows for imaging and characterisation of nonconductive samples.
High vacuum mode allows for high resolution imaging of surface topography (up to 1000000x magnification).
The stage has a lateral movement range of 100mm and a vertical movement range of 60mm.
Applications for the Quanta 450 are wide ranging and include imaging and microanalysis of metals, semiconductors, materials and their defects, coatings, particles, fibres and geological and biological samples.