Elemental Analysis* (EDX)

Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) is a form of elemental analysis which is performed in combination with electron microscopy. EDX has so far not been routinely used in the life sciences, but thanks to new generation detectors (larger area, more sensitive), EDX is becoming a routine tool in tissue imaging.

EDX provides information about 2D and 3D spatial distribution of elements in the sample, with spatial resolution ranging between units of nm to 1 µm. Imaging is suitable especially for heavier elements, however, modern EDX detectors have become sensitive enough to routinely detect light elements in biological samples. Multiple elements can be mapped simultaneously, or integral spectra can be collected from selected areas. Imaging can be combined with FIB milling for unraveling inner composition of samples.