CASP have upgraded their SEM facility with the installation of the Oxford Instruments Unity detector. This novel detector technology integrates Back Scatter Electron (BSE) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and is positioned beneath the central SEM column, and works in tandem with our Oxford Instruments Ultim Max 100 detector. This arrangement increases X-ray counts to such an extent that live chemical imaging is realised, making the navigation to areas or minerals of interest within any sample straightforward.

CASPs SEM facility: Zeiss Evo MA 15 with Oxford Instruments Unity and Ultim Max-100 detectors

The sample throughput and imaging speeds are also increased, and the position of Unity detector beneath the central column means that compositional data from rough and unpolished samples is dramatically improved. This means that crystal morphology and composition within sandstone pore spaces are revealed.

Combined elemental map of a rough surface of Triassic sandstone collected using the Unity and Ultim Max detectors

The SEM is being employed on many of CASPs energy transition research projects and also a variety student research projects.

If you are interested in using the SEM facility and the Unity detector, please contact enquiries@casp.org.uk.

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: CASP