title: X-ray spectral simulation and experimental detection of phosphorus segregation to grain boundaries in the presence of molybdenum.
abstract: A fundamental limitation of X-ray energy-dispersive (EDS) spectrometry is the detection and quantitative analysis of characteristic X-rays from one element, in the presence of an overlapping peak from another element. This problem is particularly acute when the unambiguous detection of one element is crucial to ensuring the mechanical performance of the material, such as the presence of an embrittling species. This paper addresses the specific problem of defining the conditions of specimen composition and thickness under which phosphorus can be detected in the presence of molybdenum, since the Mo L1 and the P Kalpha elemental peaks are separated by 2eV. This separation is significantly below the resolution limit of X-ray spectrometry in the electron microscope. Simulations of the X-ray spectra from low-alloy steels have been performed via Desk-Top Spectrum Analyzer and compared with experimental measurements on a field-emission gun VG HB 603 dedicated scanning transmission electron microscope.
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Papworth
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Watanabe
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis; D008982:Molybdenum / Q000032:analysis*; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D010758:Phosphorus; D008982:Molybdenum