I’m having service done on the FESEM EDS detector over the holidays. It should be back online before the semester begins.
Please plan accordingly.
Just to clarify, the FESEM will be usable while the EDS detector is being serviced.
There was a report of no EDS spectra on the Aztek system. On examination we found 2 user-correctable issues. First, the backscatter detector was blocking part of the x-ray signal from reaching the detector. It was not in the correct orientation. Then, and this is the biggest issue, the Process Time was set to 2 and it should be on 5. Process Time 2 provides narrower peaks (energy resolution) but reduces the deadtime (count rate). The SOP lists 5 as the default position. If you change it, please return to 5 when your work is complete.
The EDS works fine and is ready to use.