CAMECA SXFive-Tactis

Metals and Alloys

Map precipitates in alloys at high spatial resolution, for useful information in the development of new alloys.

High spatial resolution with high X-ray count rates can be achieved by applying low accelerating voltages (down to 5 keV) with intense beam currents to reduce electron-sample interaction.

Left: X-ray maps of Zr-Al-Ti alloys acquired at 7 keV / 100 nA. Variation of interface composition is visible around the precipitates. This provides insights into their formation processes.
Courtesy of J. LaCombe, University of Nevada, USA.

Earth and Planetary Sciences

In geological applications, EPMA delivers precise, accurate trace element measurements. With high-precision WDS and stable, reproducible current, CAMECA EPMA has become the platform of choice for emerging applications in monazite geochronology and other trace element applications.

Left: Quantified X-Ray maps of Y, Hf, Ti and U in a zircon from a Papua New Guinea eclogite. The maps show trace element zoning which indicates formation conditions.Quantified background subtraction at every pixel enables accurate visualisation of elemental distribution, even at very low concentrations.
Courtesy of J. Desormeau and S. Gordon, University of Nevada, Reno, USA.

Geochronology

Monazite is a robust mineral for geochronology, usually measured with conventional isotopic methods. Multiple ages are often recorded within a single monazite grain, at an extremely small scale that even small-spot isotopic instruments fail to resolve.

Non-destructive EPMA analysis provides accurate in-situ measurements of Th, Y, U and Pb, to determine the crystallisation age of subdomains, even at sub-micron level.

The CAMECA SXFive-Tactis delivers unmatched precision and accuracy for trace element measurements.

Left: Y Kα and Th Mα WDS maps of monazite grain from the eastern Adirondack Mountains, USA. The centre of the grain has been dated by EPMA at 1175 +/- 5 m.y. whereas the edge of the grain has been dated at 975 +/- 15 m.y. Eight distinct compositional domains can be distinguished. Domains 1 through 5 grew in a left-right orientation whereas domains 6, 7, 8 grew in a perpendicular orientation. This suggests a change in the active geological forces. Courtesy of M. Jercinovic and M. Williams, University of Massachusetts, USA.

Beginner/Expert Interfaces

The dual interface makes the SXFive-Tactis an ideal single tool for multi-user facilities.

• Beginner mode: Easy configuration and operation, with basic imaging and data processing using an intuitive touchscreen interface.
• Expert mode: Designed for skilled users with a full complement of tool parameters and options.

Integrated EDS Hypermapping

The SXFive-TACTIS comes with a fully integrated EDS HyperMap module (EDS = Electron Dispersive Spectrometer), which makes data processing and analysis faster and easier. A full EDS spectrum is collected for each pixel, and you can also extract quantitative results simultaneously.