The facility supports in-house research, as well as provides academic and commercial services in Scanning Electron Microscope analysis for the Earth and environmental science community. The Scanning Electron Microscope provides high resolution (nm) imaging techniques together with compositional analysis and mapping. It supports a wide variety of diverse applications.Our facility has a Carl Zeiss SIGMA HD VP Field Emission SEM and Oxford AZtec ED X-ray analysis and Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) system capable of providing imaging and analysis for a wide range of applications.We encourage you to view the instrument specifications and contact facility staff for more details. The Scanning Electron Microscope is run in conjunction with:Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA) FacilityNERC Ion Micro-Probe (SIMS) Facility Contact and location ContactDr Nicola CayzerNicola.Cayzer@ed.ac.uk+44 (0) 131 650 8527Research FellowView Dr Cayzer's full research profileLocationAddress: SEM Facility, Room 114, Grant Institute, School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, James Hutton Road, EDINBURGH EH9 3FEPlease 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. Campus maps and travel information Access and costs TimesDuring normal working hours the SEM time is allocated in two blocks of four hours (9am-1pm and 1pm-5pm) .The SEM is also available for use by experienced operators during the evening (5pm onwards) and at weekends, at the standard rates.Training and assistanceTraining and technical assistance is provided during normal working hours and, after training, users will be expected to operate the instrument themselves.CostsThe charges cover all costs associated with the SEM such as carbon and gold sample coating and all technical assistance. However it excludes any additional sample preparation that may be required (e.g. thin section preparation).For all external usersPlease contact the facility to request instrument time, as well as discuss analytical requirements and charging information.For staff and students within the UniversityInformation on costs is available within each SRF Facilities intranet page.To book facility time, you must contact the facility directly. SRF Facilities intranet (UoE access only) For staff and students in the School of GeoSciences: Access to the facility must be completed through a job request form, which can be found on our SEM Facility intranet page. SEM intranet page (UoE access only) Equipment and virtual tour The SEM facility has a Carl Zeiss SIGMA HD VP Field Emission SEM with Oxford AZtec ED X-ray analysis and Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) systems.You can also see the facility via our 360 virtual view below. Carl Zeiss SIGMA HD VP Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope Electron Source:Schottky thermal field emitterAccelerating voltage range:0.02 to 30 kVCurrent range:12 pA to 100 nASecondary Electron imaging:the SIGMA has In-lens, Everhart-Thornley and Variable pressure Secondary electron detectors for the imaging of micro and nano surface features of a wide variety of samples.Resolution:1.9nm at 1 kV, 1nm at 15 kV.Backscatter Electron imaging:4 quadrant solid state angle selective backscatter (AsB) detector for imaging compositional variation within samples.Cathodoluminescence:a Deben Centaurus sensitive CL detector with a wide range (185nm to 850nm) scintillator for imaging luminescent materials.Sample chamber:Large sample chamber that can accommodate specimens up to 250 mm diameter and 45 mm tall.Variable pressure range:2-133 Pa, allowing the analysis and imaging of insulators, hydrated samples or uncoated specimens without charging artefacts.Stage:130*130mm eucentric stage with motorised control of X, Y, Z, rotate and tilt (-3° to 70°).Images:All images may be stored using a high resolution digital frame store. Maximum image size: 12288 x 9216 pixelsOperating System:All microscope and analysis systems are operated via Windows 7The Oxford AZtecEnergy Energy dispersive X-ray analysis systemThis system enables qualitative and quantitative analysis of samples and the rapid acquisition of element and phase maps. The 80mm² silicon-drift energy dispersive X-ray detector can detect elements Beryllium (Be) to Californium (Cf).The Oxford AZtecHKL EBSD systemThis system enables the determination of crystallographic orientation data of suitably prepared samples with high spatial resolution. EBSD analysis can also be combined with simultaneous ED analysis. Oxford Instruments Electron Backscatter Diffraction website Support equipment The facility also has the necessary support equipment:Sample preparation including impregnation, cutting, grinding and polishing equipmentCarbon and gold coatingReflected and transmitted light microscopes with photographic facilities for specimen documentationOptical cathodoluminescence microscopeAccess to the Electron Microprobe Facility for quantitative major and minor element (0.01 wt%) analysis using either energy dispersive analysis or wavelength dispersive analysisAccess to the Ion Microprobe Facility for isotopic and trace element (ppm) analysisVisit: Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA) Facility NERC Ion Microprobe Facility SEM imaging applications The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) supports a wide variety of diverse applications including secondary electron imaging, backscatter electron imaging, cathodoluminescence imaging and electron backscatter diffraction.For further details about imaging and sample requirements please contact our facility staff.Secondary Electron (SE) ImagingSecondary electrons produced when an electron beam interacts with the surface of the sample, enable fine-scale (nm) surface features and topographic detail to be imaged. The SEM images have far greater spatial resolution and depth of focus than optical microscopes.Backscatter Electron (BSE) ImagingBackscatter electrons allow compositional variation to be imaged as different grey-scales. Materials with a mean high atomic number composition appear brighter than those of low atomic number, enabling the imaging of compositional variation and growth zoning.Cathodoluminescence (CL) imagingCertain materials will emit light when bombarded by an electron beam. This luminescence can be imaged using a CL detector. Variations in the intensity of the light emitted can be influenced by impurities and crystal defects. CL is particularly useful for imaging features such as growth zoning or crystal overgrowths that are not easily imaged by other methods.Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD)EBSD can be used to obtain crystallographic information from the diffraction patterns generated when the electron beam interacts with a crystalline sample. The technique can provide information for absolute crystallographic orientation, microtextures and preferred crystal orientation, deformation and strain, polymorph identification, damage to crystal structure, grain size and grain boundaries.The technique can be used to analyse:Absolute crystallographic orientationMicrotextures and preferred crystal orientationDeformation and strainPolymorph identification Damage to crystal structure Grain size and grain boundariesDamage to crystal structureWe have provided 'An EBSD study of the damage to zircon crystals' by Dr Nicola Cayzer and Dr Richard Hinton from the School of GeoSciences. It is available for PDF download: Document Cayzer and Hinton (1.13 MB / PDF) Identification of polymorphsThe EBSD technique can be used to identify different polymorphs from their diffraction patterns. Example 1 Silica inclusions within diamond can readily be identified as monoclinic coesite or trigonal quartz by in situ, non-destructive point analyses. Monoclinic coesite Trigonal quartz Example 2 The distribution of aragonite and calcite within speleothems, bivalves and corals can be mapped with a resolution of ~1 µm. This image shows aragonite needles (blue) in a speleothem surrounded by calcite (red). Image gallery and useful links 360 tour </div> <p/><p>Image courtesy of <a href="https://www.marsupium.photography/about.html">Magnus Hagdorn - marsupium photography</a><p></div> </div></body> Image gallery Diatoms from Lake Toskaljarvi, Finland The image shows the siliceous skeletons of diatoms (tiny planktonic organisms) preserved in lake sediment, Lake Toskaljarvi, Finland. The sample was collected as part of a study of the variation in sedimentation of Arctic lakes and past climate change.The image represents an area approximately 70 µm wide.Sample courtesy of Prof. Roy Thompson and Shirley Derrick, Geology and Geophysics, University of Edinburgh. Perthite from an Antarctic granulite The image shows the perthitic microtexture in an alkali feldspar from a granulite from the Brattstrand Bluffs, East Antarctica. The sample has been etched in HF acid vapour to reveal the microtexture. The image shows both rounded 'blebs' and fine elongate lamellae of plagioclase wihin a K-feldspar host.The image represents an area approximately 15 µm wide.Image courtesy of Dr. Nicola Cayzer, Geology and Geophysics, University of Edinburgh. Chrysotile Asbestos The image shows Chrysotile, a fibrous silicate (Mg3Si2O5(OH)4) and one variety of asbestos found in serpentines from the Shabanie Mine, Zimbabwe. The image shows the individual flexible fibres that the mineral is composed of. Chrysotile asbestos is highly heat resistant and has many applications in fire retardants.The image represents an area approximately 7 µm wide.Sample courtesy of the Cockburn Museum, School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh. Cathodoluminescence (CL) image of Penrith Sandstone This quartz-rich sandstone was investigated for the effects of deformation band formation on hydrocarbon migration. The image shows a series of quartz grains exhibiting typical pressure solution textures and shows graphically that pressure solution is associated with microfracturing.The image represents an area approximately 1.5 mm wide.Image courtesy of Dr. Gordon Watt, Department of Geology and Petroleum Geology, University of Aberdeen. Albite glass on paragonite 'rose' The image shows sheets of paragonite formed at 800ºC, 9 kbar during an experiment to measure the solubility of natural albite. The edges of the paragonite sheets are decorated with rods and beads of albite glass. The paragonite crystals are so thin that they transmit 20kV electrons allowing underlying albite glass to be seen.The image represents an area approximately 150 µm wide.Image courtesy of Prof. Kirill Shmulovich (Academy of Science, Moscow) and Dr. Martin Lee (now Glasgow University), taken while working at the University of Edinburgh.The image was used as the front cover illustration for the Mineralogical Society Bulletin No.122, April 1999. CL image of a diamond from the Bultfontien kimberlite pipe, Kimberly, South Africa. The image shows the complex growth pattern of the diamond, with alternating phases of 'cuboid' (rounded shapes) and octahedral (flat / square) growth. The growth zones reflect small variations in Nitrogen composition (0 to 1226 ppm).The image represents an area approximately 3.3 mm wide.Image courtesy of Prof. Ben Harte and Dr. John Craven, Geology and Geophysics, University of Edinburgh. Secondary electron (SE) image of experimentally grown plagioclase and quartz crystals. The image shows elongate plagioclase and more-equant quartz crystals grown from a starting gel with a 16 molar solution of CaCl2 and NaCl at 700ºC , 0.5 Gpa for 15 days.The image represents an area approximately 50 µm wide.Sample courtesy of Prof. Kirill Shmulovich (Academy of Science, Moscow), while working at the Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Edinburgh. Picasso's Diamond Cathodoluminescence (CL) image of a diamond mined in Guaniamo, Venezuela. The pattern of the luminescence indicates a complex history and gave rise to the name "Picasso's diamond" for its resemblance to the cubist masterpieces of the Spanish painter. Trapped inside this and similar diamonds is the mineral coesite. The oxygen isotope ratio in the coesite matches that of ocean-floor basalt and suggests that the subduction of oceanic plates was involved in the formation of the early continents.The image represents a diamond 2 mm across.Image courtesy of Prof. Daniel Schulze, Geological Sciences, University of Toronto (published in Nature 2003, v423). Rubber Tree Biochar The images are examples of biochar, that have been produced from rubber trees in a small-scale gasifier, used for generating electricity in remote rural areas of north-west Cambodia. Biochar is rich in carbon molecules that are resistant to mineralisation by microorganisms and is therefore a potentially important way of storing carbon long term in soils, helping to limit atmospheric CO2 concentrations. The UK Biochar Research Centre is an interdisciplinary centre established to develop scientific and engineering understanding of biochar and of its potential role in tackling climate change.Sample courtesy of Dr. Simon Shackley, School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh and Erik Middelink. The image represents an area approximately 50 µm wide The image represents an area approximately 700 µm wide Pyramidal diagenetic quartz overgrowth on a sand grain with associated kaolinite platelets The image was obtained from a sample from a sandstone block used to form one of the statues on the Jenner's Department Store Building, Princess Street, Edinburgh. The secondary minerals have helped cement the grains together and give the sandstone coherence. The sandstone is therefore potentially less prone to self destruct through expansion and contraction of clay minerals with the uptake of rainwater and its evaporation.The image represents an area approximately 130 µm wide.The image is courtesy of Dr. John Dixon, Geology and Geophysics, University of Edinburgh and was used as the front cover illustration for Scottish Journal of Geology (2001, v37). Lenses of a Trilobite Eye Latex replica, of a mould in fine sandstone, of a trilobite eye (Dalmanitina socialis, Ordovician Bohemia) which shows details of the inner surface of the lenses. In life, a thin calcitic bowl was attached to this inner surface so that the correcting doublet gave a sharp image.The image represents an area approximately 630 µm wide.Image courtesy of Prof. Euan Clarkson, Geology and Geophysics, University of Edinburgh. Image not available? Useful links Supplier information on Scanning Electron and Ion Microscopes by Zeiss.ZeissSupplier information on X-ray microanalysis systems by Oxford Instruments.Oxford InstrumentsSupplier information on chamberscopes, peltier stages, stage automation and beam blanking for SEM applications by Debens.DebensThe Institute of Experimental Mineralogy Crystallographic Database for minerals.Crystallographic DatabaseCrystallographic Space Group Diagrams and Tables by Birkbeck College, University of London.Crystallographic Space Group DiagramsThe Microscopy Virtual Library covers all aspects of light microscopy, electron microscopy and other forms of microscopy.Microscopy Virtual LibraryThe Mineralogist Cystal Structure Database is an interface that includes every structure published in the American Mineralogist, The Canadian Mineralogist, European Journal of Mineralogy and Physics and Chemistry of Minerals, as well as selected datasets from other journals. Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database Small Research Facility (SRF) This facility is operated as a Small Research Facility (SRF).A Small Research Facility (SRF) is a facility or service provided by the School and used for research and teaching. They are also available for use by the wider community such as external academic or commercial use. Our SRF's are available for hire or on a consultancy basis. These charges are recognised by grant funders and can therefore form part of a grant submission. This article was published on Wednesday 23 September 2026
