Sem/edx services with MicroVision Laboratories, Inc.

Sem/eds analysis services by Microvisionlabs.com? Using light microscopes to examine the optical and structural properties of samples is one of the oldest and most useful analytical techniques. MicroVision Labs has several high magnification microscopes, including a powerful Zeiss Axiotech microscope capable of 1800x optical magnification, with additional digital magnification, allowing for visualization of sub-micron structures. PLM allows for the identification of a wide range of particles through the examination of the internal birefringence, or variation in optical indices, within a sample.

As indicated in the FTIR spectral comparison below, the suspect material showed a near perfect match for acetylsalicylic acid. Additionally, there was a small amount of dibasic phosphate present. It was determined that the material was likely acetylsalicylic acid with a phosphate binder – an aspirin. Therefore, from this analysis the suspect material in the bottle was likely a household aspirin tablet, broken apart and separated by the water. In order to confirm the identification, a few aspirin tablets from several common manufacturers were obtained, roughly ground, and soaked to allow for comparison. The optical morphology of the crystals, size range of the particles, association with the phosphate and FTIR spectrum all were consistent with the original suspect material. A report detailing the methods and findings in full narrative form was rendered to the client.

The profile of the flow of the solder at these bonds was documented using the SEM with backscatter imaging, which correlates brightness in the image with atomic density. Some voids were found in the solder as shown the SEM image. An EDS spectrum of the solder was acquired which showed that the solder was a tin/lead (80/20) solder. The EDS map clearly shows the copper wire and copper pad (red) with the tin lead solder (light blue) that appears to have flowed well and made a good bond between the copper elements. This map also shows the fiberglass bundles that add structural integrity to the board.

Do you do any animal testing? No. Do you analyze any tissue samples or blood samples? No. We do not do any blood analyses and we are not set up to prepare tissue samples. What are some of the cool samples you have looked at under the scanning electron microscope? We have seen 10,000 year old Wolly Mammoth hair, meteorites, an artificial heart valve, civil war bullets, insulin pumps, rare colonial coins, a kidney stone, and a few things we can’t talk about. But some of the more mundane samples, like wood or salt crystals, have proven to be extremely interesting subjects to image. Discover a few extra details at https://microvisionlabs.com/service/eds-elemental-analysis/.

The data indicated that a significant portion of the dust was from the insulation in the attic. The contractor had replaced a portion of duct work running to the master bedroom. During this replacement, fiberglass insulation was knocked into the ducting. The small glass insulation fibers were spread through the AC ducts and settling out of the air throughout the house. The client was relieved to know what was causing their skin irritation and the significant dust build up. Using the results garnered from the analysis from MicroVision Labs they were able to have the contractor clean out the duct work and act to prevent further spread of the insulation fibers and properly clean up the settled dust in the house that was the cause of the homeowner’s skin irritation.

MicroVision Laboratories, Inc. has been providing businesses, consultants and other testing laboratories with expert microscopy and analytical services since 2003. Our client base covers a broad spectrum of industries including semi-conductors, aerospace, electronics, biomedical, ceramics, optics, pharmaceuticals, mineralogy, metallurgy, thin films, environmental, membranes filtration and industrial hygiene. Discover even more info at https://microvisionlabs.com/.