Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA) Facility

The facility supports research at universities, research institutes and commercial organisations within the UK and Worldwide.

The Electron Probe MicroAnalyser (EPMA) is a non-destructive technique for the analysis of polished solid materials.

Edinburgh’s EPMA facility is built around a highly versatile JEOL JXA-iHP200F instrument, installed in May 2026. This analyses elements between boron and uranium in almost any combination, with exceptional capability between oxygen and uranium.

EPMA provides fully quantitative chemical analyses of solid, mostly inorganic materials. Analytical resolution is as high as 1 micrometre (mm) and detection limits between tens and hundreds of ppm, depending on element and material.

The facility has developed specialist applications for clients and since the 1990s has served the international Earth and environmental research communities via the Tephra Analysis Unit (TAU).

We offer bespoke analytical set-ups for minerals, glasses, metals and alloys, ceramics and biominerals to facilitate research is areas including Earth and environmental sciences, material sciences, metallurgy, engineering, medical sciences, archaeology, forensics, manufacturing, process and quality control.

We welcome enquiries about research by any existing and prospective clients.

The Electron Probe Microanalysis Facility is among a globally significant group of microbeam analytical techniques available at the School of GeoSciences, including:

Contact and location

Dr Chris HaywardChris.Hayward@ed.ac.uk+44 (0) 131 650 5827 (or 8539)Senior Research Fellow in Micro-Analysis and Archaeometry

View Dr Hayward's full research profile

Location

Address: Room 1.120, Grant Institute, School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, James Hutton Road, EDINBURGH EH9 3FE

Please note that parking on campus is strictly by permit only, and parking spaces are subject to availability. Commercial and external users should contact our staff about parking arrangements.

Access and costs

Please note that because of heavy demand for the Facility, the schedule is normally full for up to 8-12 weeks in advance.

The instrument is accessible in-person at the facility and remotely from your location (if a suitable internet connection is available).

For the wider University and all external users:

Please contact the facility to discuss availability, as well as analytical requirements and charging information.

For staff and students in the School of GeoSciences:

Pricing and access to the facility must be completed through a job request form, which can be found on the Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA) Facility intranet page.

EPMA technical information

EPMA produces high-accuracy, high-precision, fully quantitative chemical analysis of a wide range of solid materials with spatial resolutions as high as 1 micron. It has capabilities in fields such as Earth and environmental sciences, materials sciences, engineering, biological and medical sciences, archaeology, forensics, manufacturing, process and quality control.

Our Electron Probe Microanalyser, installed in May 2026 has exceptional analytical capabilities, backed by an extensive range of data collection and processing software. Together these are a very powerful and cost-effective tool for academic and industrial research.

Edinburgh’s EPMA Facility is built around a JEOL JXA iHP200F instrument installed in May 2026. This instrument produces high accuracy, high precision, fully quantitative analyses of almost any combination of elements between boron and uranium, with exceptional capability between oxygen and uranium.

The technique of EPMA uses an incident electron beam focused to diameters of 1 micron or less on the sample surface, to generate X-rays that identify the elements and their concentrations within samples. Routine detection limits are typically 60 – 600 ppm, depending on the element and host material.

We can provide high-quality analysis of an extensive range of materials including:

  • minerals
  • metals and alloys
  • glasses
  • ceramics
  • bone
  • tooth

The Edinburgh EPMA Facility is exceptionally versatile, with strong capabilities in fields such as:

  • earth and environmental sciences
  • materials sciences
  • metallurgy
  • biological and medical sciences
  • archaeology
  • forensics
  • manufacturing, process and quality control

In addition to quantitative analysis of specific locations on samples, the iHP200F can produce qualitative and quantitative element distribution maps with resolutions as high as 1 micron, chemical line profiles and analyses of thin layers.

The iHP200F is designed for automation and when samples permit can be set up for automated analyses overnight and during weekends, maximising data collection and cost-effectiveness.


Electron probe microanalysis

Our JEOL JXA iHP200F instrument is equipped with five wavelength dispersive spectrometers and JEOL energy dispersive detector. It has a Field Emission electron source that can provide very high analytical resolution and high beam currents.

Sample observation is simple via back-scattered and secondary electron imagery and in plane- and cross-polarised reflected and transmitted light with an optical microscope at a magnification of x400.

Analytical target locations can be identified offline prior to analysis on a geo-logging microscope or clients may navigate their samples via their own georeferenced sample images.

Many specialised data collection, and online and offline processing functionalities are available via JEOL’s software and an additional comprehensive suite by Probe Software which expands the capabilities of the iHP200F. These include quantitative X-ray mapping and chemical profile scans, phase mapping, very low concentration trace element analysis, fully integrated ED and WD quantitative analysis, quantitative analysis of thin layers and analysis of non-flat samples.

Diffracting crystals of six types enable analysis of elements between boron and uranium. The configuration of these within the five WD spectrometers permits analysis of almost any element combination, making the iHP200F an exceptionally versatile instrument.

The large analysing crystals (TAPL, PETL and LIFL) in spectrometers 2-4 enable higher analytical precisions, lower detection limits and faster analysis times. They allow trace element analysis down to tens or hundreds of ppm, and high-quality analysis of beam-sensitive minerals such as glasses, carbonates and phyllosilicates.

Spectrometer 1TAPJ, PETJ, LDE1, LDE2
Spectrometer 2PETL, LIFL
Spectrometer 3PETL, LIFL
Spectrometer 4TAPL, PETL
Spectrometer 5TAPJ, PETJ, LIFJ, LDE1

Tephra analysis

The specifications of the iHP200F are ideal for analysis of glassy materials such as tephras. 

Its large TAPL and PETL analysing crystals enable measurement of Na and K before mobilization during analysis, even using electron beam diameters of 5 mm and 3 mm.

The iHP200F’s exceptional electron and optical imaging capabilities allow location of very small crypto tephra grains, identification and avoidance of crystals within glasses, The energy dispersive detector allows rapid discrimination between glass and mineral fragments.

Secondary electron image of an approximately 10 x 15 micron crypto-tephra grain, after analysis.

The beam diameter was 5 microns.

Secondary electron image of a micron crypto-tephra grain
Backscattered electron image of plagioclase and magnetite crystals within a melt inclusion within a clinopyroxene of the Fimmvörduhals fissure eruption, Iceland, 2010.
Backscattered electron image of plagioclase and magnetite crystals


 


Please discuss any queries related to sample preparation or format with us well in advance of your scheduled booking.

Electron Probe

To enable fully quantitative analysis, samples must be prepared in specific ways:

  • Samples must be vacuum compatible and stable under electron bombardment.
    • The operating vacuum is approximately 10 -5 Pa.
  • Samples must be flat, well-polished and as free from surface voids as possible.
    • Final polishing should use 0.25 mm diamond abrasive or 0.03 mm alumina.
    • Samples with porosity should be vacuum-impregnated with resin to fill void space. 
    • Samples must be cleaned after polishing to remove abrasive particles and lubricants. This can be done at the EPMA Facility if necessary.
  • Samples must be cohesive, so as not to shed particles whilst in the iHP200F.
  • Samples must be in a format compatible with the JEOL sample holders, which accommodate most standard formats. Permitted formats are:
    • Thin sections: 45-48mm long, up to 25mm wide, 1mm thick with up to 0.5mm thick polished sample above the glass slide
    • Disks: 25.5mm or 29.5mm diameter, thickness 5-25mm
    • It may be possible to accommodate other formats - please discuss details with us. Please use epoxy resin for sample preparation. Lakeside, Canada Balsam and styrene-based resins must not be used.
  • Insulating samples need to be coated before analysis with a thin film of carbon. This is performed at the EPMA Facility. Please ensure that samples arrive two working days before your EPMA booking to enable coating.

Tephra Analysis

Tephra samples require special preparation methods to allow high quality analysis.

Samples with grain sizes down to around 125 mm can be prepared as 25.5 mm diameter resin disks or as thin sections. The method for preparing resin disks is described by:

  • Lowe D.J. 2011. Tephrochronology and its application: A review. Quaternary Geochronology, 6, 107-153.

The finest grained tephras are prepared as 25.5 mm diameter resin disks according to the methods described by:

  • Blockley S.P.E, , Pyne-O’Donnell S.D.F., Lowe J.J., Matthews I.P., Stone A., Pollard A.M., Turney C.S.M. and Molyneux E.G. 2005. A new and less destructive laboratory procedure for the physical separation of distal glass tephra shards from sediments. Quaternary Science Reviews, 24, 1952–1960.
  • Kuehn S.C. and Froese D.G. 2010. Tephra from Ice—A Simple Method to Routinely Mount, Polish, and Quantitatively Analyze Sparse Fine Particles. Microscopy and Microanalysis, 16, 218-225.
  • Hall M. and Hayward C.L. (2015). Preparation of micro- and crypto-taphras for quantitative microbeam analysis. In: Austin, W. E. N., Abbott, P. M., Davies, S. M., Pearce, N. J. G. & Wastegaard, S. (eds.) Marine Tephras. Geological Society Special Publication, 398. The Geological Society, London.
  • Iverson N.A., Kalteyer D., Dunbar N.W., Kurbatov A. and Yates M. 2017. Advancements and Best Practices for Analysis and Correlation of Tephra and Cryptotephra in Ice. Quaternary Geochronology, 40, 45-55.

If you have any questions concerning preparation methods for your tephras, please contact us.  


 


Tephrochronology

The EPMA Facility hosts the Tephra Analysis Unit for the analysis of volcanic glasses, with wide application to climate change research and volcanological studies. Client research has included the correlation of North Atlantic crypto-tephras for insight into palaeoclimate since the last glacial period, and ash dispersal and risk to trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific flights.

Industrial applications

EPMA has innumerable applications within industry. The EPMA Facility has worked with Rolls Royce and MTU on analysis of new turbine blade alloys for future, more fuel-efficient jet engines. Other industrial applications worked on by the facility manager have included microelectronics, nuclear waste disposal, construction and investigation of Formula 1 car component failure.

Planetary Science

Mineral analyses have revealed details of magmatic processes on Earth, the Moon and Mars and of processes related to the early solar system.

Palaeoclimate studies

EPMA's capability of rapid, high-quality data collection has enabled detailed palaeoclimate studies of surface seawater temperatures from the Mg/Ca ratio in the bi-weekly growth zones of calcareous algae. This has led to the development of an accurate palaeothermometer with application to resolving regional differences in Holocene climate variability.

Economic resources

EPMA data have been fundamental to understanding the formation and distribution of economic resources. Heterogeneity in gold composition within host rocks of the Witwatersrand, South Africa suggests that the gold deposits originated as a series of placers rather than having been introduced hydrothermally. Investigation of Ni distribution in ores explained Ni-losses during ore processing leading to loss reduction. EPMA has investigated types and deportment of mineralization in exploration targets for rare earth, platinum group and sulphide minerals.

Tephra Analysis Unit (TAU)

The TAU is an internationally recognised centre for electron probe microanalysis of volcanic gasses and melt inclusions, with clients worldwide.

For more than four decades the TAU has served academic and commercial researchers and students, facilitating diverse research including:

  • Holocene climate change
  • palaeoenvironmental reconstruction
  • physical volcanology and igneous petrogenesis, and
  • dating of cultural remains

In addition to the identification of source volcanoes for tephrochronology, volatile elements F, Cl and S are measured for studies of degassing and environmental impacts of eruptions.

The TAU actively engages in developing improved methods for the microanalysis and preparation of tephras. Examples include analytical protocols for analysis of crypto-tephras with beam diameters as low as 3 microns without sodium mobilisation (Hayward, 2012), and preparation of crypto-tephras with grain sizes below 50 microns (Hall and Hayward, 2015).

Accepted values for the BCR2g and Lipari standards for tephra analysis.

 Na2OMgOAl2O3SiO2P2O5CaOTiO2MnOFeO
BCR2g3.05-3.273.54-3.6413.5-13.753.3-54.90.36-0.371.79-1.842.21-2.310.146-0.1582.21-12.61
Lipari3.96-4.16012.52-12.9273.43-74.6305.08-5.280.70-0.740.07-0.091.70-1.80

We welcome informal discussions, in confidence, of research plans from prospective and existing clients. Please note that the TAU and Electron Probe Microanalysis Facility are in high demand and that the schedule is usually fully booked up to 8-12 weeks in advance.

Abbott P.M., Bourne A.J., Purcell C.S., Davies S.M., Scourse J.D. and Pearce N.J.G. 2016. Last glacial period cryptotephra deposits in an eastern North Atlanticmarine sequence: Exploring linkages to the Greenland ice-cores. Quaternary Geomorphology, 31, 62-76.

Bourne A.J., Albert P.G., Matthews I.P., Trincardi F., Wulf S., Asioli A., Blockley S.P.E., Keller J. and Lowe J.J. 2015. Tephrochronology of core PRAD 1-2 from the Adriatic Sea: insights into Italian explosive volcanism for the period 200e80 ka. Quaternary Science Reviews, 116, 28-43.

Cage A.G., Davies S.M., Wasgegård S. and Austin W.E.N. 2011. Identification of the Icelandic Landnám tephra (AD 871±2) in Scottish fjordic sediment. Quaternary International, 246, 168-176.

Davies S.M. 2015. Cryptotephras: the revolution in correlation and precision dating. Journal of Quaternary Science, 30, 114-130.

Davies S.M., Wastegård S., Abbott P.M., Barbante C., Bigler M., Johnsen S.J., Ramussen T.L., Steffensen J.P. and Svensson A. 2010. Tracing volcanic events in the NGRIP ice-core and synchronising North Atlanticmarine records during the last glacial period. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 294, 69-79.

Hall M. and Hayward C.L. 2015. Preparation of micro- and crypto-taphras for quantitative microbeam analysis. In: Austin, W. E. N., Abbott, P. M., Davies, S. M., Pearce, N. J. G. & Wastegaard, S. (eds) Marine Tephras. Geological Society Special Publication, 398. The Geological Society, London.

Hayward C.L. 2012. High spatial resolution electron probe microanalysis of tephras and melt inclusions without beam-induced chemical modifications. The Holocene , 22 , 119-125.

Humphreys M.C.S., Kearns S.L. and Blundy J. 2006. SIMS investigation of electron-beam damage to hydrous, rhyolitic glasses: Implications for melt inclusion analysis. American Mineralogist, 91 , 667-279.

Hunt J.B. and Hill P.G. 2001. Tephrological implications of beam size, sample size effects in electron microprobe analysis of glass shards. Journal of Quaternary Science, 16 , 105-117.

Hunt J.B. and Hill P.G. 1996. An Inter-Laboratory comparison of the electron probe microanalysis of glass geochemistry. Quaternary International, 34-36 , 229-241.

Hunt J.B. and Hill P.G. 1993. Tephra geochemistry: a discussion of some persistent analytical problems. The Holocene, 3, 271-278.

Kuehn S.C, Froese D.G., Shane P.A.R. and INTAV Intercomparison Participants. 2011. The INTAV intercomparison of electron-beam microanalysis of glass by tephrochronology laboratories: Results and recommendations. Quaternary International, 246, 19-47.

Lowe, D.J., Pearce, N.J.G., Jorgensen, M.A., Kuehn, S.C., Tryon, C.A., Hayward, C.L. 2017. Correlating tephras and cryptotephras using glass compositional analyses and numerical and statistical methods: review and evaluation. Quaternary Science Reviews, 175, 1-44.

Morgan G.B. and London D. 1996. Optimizing the electron microprobe analysis of hydrous alkali aluminosilicate glasses. American Mineralogist, 81, 1176-1185.

Newton A.J., Dugmore A.J. and Gittings B.M. 2007. Tephrabase: tephrochronology and the development of a centralized European database. Journal of Quaternary Science, 22, 737-743.

Pearce N.J.G, Bendall C.A. and Westgate J.A. 2007. Comment on "Some numerical constraints in the geochemical analysis of distal microtephra" by A.M. Pollard, S.P.E. Blockley ans C.S. Lane. Applied Geochemistry, 21, 1692-1714.

Pyne-O’Donnell S.D.F., Hughes P.D.M., Froese D.G., Jensen B.J.L., Kuehn S.C., Mallon G., Amesbury M.J., Charman D.J., Daley T.J., Loader N.J., Mauquoy D., Alayne Street-Perrott F. and Woodman-Ralph J. 2012. High-precision ultra-distal Holocene tephrochronology in North America. Quaternary Science Reviews, 52, 6-11.

Timms R.G.O., Matthews I.P., Palmer A.P., Candy I. and Abel L. 2017. A high-resolution tephrostratigraphy from Quoyloo Meadow, Orkney, Scotland: Implications for the tephrostratigraphy of NW Europe during the Last Glacial-Interglacial Transition. Quaternary Geochronology, 40, 67-81.

Van der Bilt W.G.M., Lane C.S. and Bakke J. 2017. Ultra-distal Kamchatkan ash on Arctic Svalbard: Towards hemisphericcryptotephra correlation. Quaternary Science Reviews, 164, 230-235.


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