Examples of JEOL 5900LV SEM applications
The JEOL 5900LV analytical scanning electron microscope can be used for a very wide range of applications. Follow the links below to see some examples.
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Fine surface detail images of biological specimens
The microscope can be used to obtain detailed surface images of biological specimens that have been coated with a thin layer of metal.
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Images of large, unprepared samples
The JEOL 5900LV SEM can be used to look at the complex surface of samples without damaging them, making it ideal for examining valuable specimens.
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Digital elevation models
Three-dimensional models can be created using stereo-pair images. These can be used to determine the width, depth and volume of structures such as impact craters.
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Backscattered electron images showing composition variation
The JEOL 5900LV is commonly used to examine polished and carbon-coated rock and mineral surfaces before they are analysed further.
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Analysis of minerals in polished sections
The instrument's energy dispersive X-ray detector is often used to quantitatively analyse the composition of minerals of interest.
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Elemental maps of polished sections
Created using the microscope's X-ray detectors, these can identify interesting and unusual materials, illustrate textures and measure area abundances.
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X-ray mapping of enquiry or museum samples
Mineral identification using the microscope's X-ray detectors at low vacuum or variable pressure can reveal, for example, how animals are preserved as fossils.
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Quantitative mineral abundance measurements
Backscattered electron images or X-ray maps can be used to produce a quantitative measurement of mineral abundance by 'point counting' minerals within an area of a polished rock sample.
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Identification and composition analysis of small grains
The JEOL 5900LV can be used to locate specific small grains of interest in large sample areas, measure their size and identify their composition.
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Wavelength dispersive X-ray (WDX) spectrum scans
WDX scans can be useful for recognising the presence of small quantities of elements which could be missed by other methods such as energy dispersive X-ray scans.
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Cathodoluminescence images
Images created from light emitted by a sample can provide information about the internal structure of crystals. They can be used to construct histories of mineral deposition and crystal growth for a variety of purposes.