Welcome to the Electron Microanalysis & Imaging Laboratory (EMiL)

Secondary image of a flower-like bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6), captured by Hamed Heidari using the TESCAN Clara.

This advanced material possesses exceptional photocatalytic properties and features a unique flower-like morphology, which enhances its surface area. These characteristics significantly boost its performance in environmental purification and renewable energy applications, including pollutant decomposition and hydrogen production under visible light.

EMiL is an analytical laboratory dedicated to solving problems using electron micro-beam techniques for clients in industry, government agencies, and academia. We specialize in non-destructive chemical analyses of solids using state-of-the-art equipment.

Our Equipment and Capabilities

  • Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEMs) installed in 2023:
    • TESCAN VEGA (tungsten filament)
    • Field-emission TESCAN CLARA
    • Capabilities:
      • High-resolution imaging in SE (Secondary Electron), BSE (Backscatter Electron), STEM (Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy), and CL (Cathodoluminescence) modes
      • Semi-quantitative analysis using Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) with Oxford Instruments AZtec software
    • Software: TESCAN Essence for customizable imaging data acquisition and analysis
  • JEOL JXA-8900R Electron Microprobe:
    • Features: Four automated wavelength-dispersive spectrometers (WDS) and an energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS)
    • Capabilities: Precise quantitative chemical analysis from Be to U with micron-scale resolution
    • Software: Probe for EPMA for efficient data acquisition and analysis

Techniques and Services

  • Phase identification (EDS)
  • Nano-scale particle secondary electron imaging
  • Elemental X-ray mapping (EDS)
  • Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) imaging
  • Quantitative chemical analysis from Be to U with micron-scale resolution
  • Cathodoluminescence imaging
  • Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) imaging
  • Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM) imaging of uncoated samples in low vacuum mode

Comprehensive Sample Preparation

We provide equipment for polishing and sputter coating, including a Pelcon thin section machine and a PACE Technologies vibratory polisher, ensuring high-quality sample preparation for electron microscopy and EBSD analysis.

Collaborative Research Environment

EMiL supports groundbreaking research across various fields. Current users include researchers from the fields of geoscience, chemistry, biochemistry, engineering, and material sciences, showcasing our capability to cover a wide range of scientific disciplines.

Lab Personnel

Location

Electron Microanalysis & Imaging Laboratory (EMiL)
Science and Engineering Building (SEB), Room 1119
University of Nevada Las Vegas
4505 S. Maryland Parkway
Box 454010
Las Vegas NV 89154-4010

For more details on the principles and applications of SEM and EPMA, visit here.

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