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Fiber-optic Based Spectral Cathodoluminescence: Simple and Economic Option for Use in Conventional and Environmental
1Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia 6907, Australia
Summary
A new fiber-optic spectral cathodoluminescence (CL) system was installed on an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). This system efficiently analyzes luminescent materials, revealing new insights into zircon
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Spectroscopy
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Cathodoluminescence (CL) is a powerful technique for analyzing material luminescence.
- Integrating CL with environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) offers advanced analytical capabilities.
- Previous CL studies on zircon have reported an intrinsic peak, the origin of which is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To install and characterize a fiber-optic based spectral CL system on a variable pressure ESEM.
- To evaluate the system's efficiency and spectral resolution for analyzing diverse luminescent materials.
- To investigate the origin of the intrinsic peak observed in zircon CL spectra.
Main Methods:
- Installation of a fiber-optic based spectral CL system on a variable pressure ESEM.
- Utilized an X-Y translator for precise alignment of the 50 µm optical fiber.
- Acquired CL spectra from various materials, including YAG, polymers, and doped zircons, at 30 kV and ~3 nA beam current.
Main Results:
- The fiber-optic CL system demonstrated high efficiency, achieving up to 3 million counts/sec on YAG.
- A spectral resolution of 3 nm (FWHM) at 621 nm was achieved.
- Analysis of doped zircons suggests the intrinsic peak is an artifact of high beam currents.
Conclusions:
- The fiber-optic spectral CL system is effectively integrated with ESEM for material analysis.
- The system provides high sensitivity and resolution for characterizing luminescent properties.
- The study re-evaluates previous findings on zircon luminescence, attributing the intrinsic peak to experimental conditions.