EDS Mapping of Sub–Surface Plant Materials Using Non–Traditional Operating Conditions

Abstract

Microanalysis at non-traditional sample specific SEM operating conditions is useful when studying characteristics of the organism that are not readily apparent using traditional methods. The operating conditions are typically tailored to the tolerances of the sample being investigated, and in the case of biological plant specimens, a low kV SEM beam is routinely employed for sample surface imaging and to reduce beam damage to the tissue. This work explores SEM EDS of biological plant materials using moderate SEM beam conditions to characterize sub-surface inorganic materials within the plant tissue.