X-ray microanalysis of a coated nonconductive specimen: Monte Carlo simulation.
The microanalysis of nonconductive specimen in a scanning electron microscope is limited by charging effects. Using a charge density model for the electric field buildup in a nonconductive specimen irradiated by electrons, a Monte Carlo simulation method has been applied to alumina (Al2O3). The results show a change in the depth distribution for characteristic and bremsstrahlung X-ray, phi(pz) curves, and psi(pz) curves (with absorption) for both elements' K alpha lines. The influence of the electric field on the measured X-ray intensity is shown. The dependency of this influence by the three parameters, electron energy, X-ray energy, and charge density, is clarified.
Department of Mining, Metals and Materials Engineering, McGill University, Montréal H3A 2B2, Canada. hendrix.demers@mail.mcgill.ca
Hendrix
H
Demers
Raynald
R
Gauvin
D000537:Aluminum Oxide / Q000032:analysis*; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D055672:Static Electricity
D000537:Aluminum Oxide