Education/Definitions

Elemental X-ray Mapping (XMAP)

X-ray mapping (in years past called a "dot map") allows determination of the location in the sample of the chemical species which emits the characteristic x-ray and in turn yields the EDS spectra. EDS (explained below) allows determination of the chemical make-up of the sample. Assume that "the sample" is a chocolate chip cookie with pecans. EDS tells you the "it" is a chocolate chip cookie with pecans. The x-ray map allows the determination of the location each of the chocolate chips, each of the pecans and the rest of the cookie dough. The location of the various atomic species on the sample surface is mapped and displayed. The location of each atomic element is displayed in a different color


Updated 11/23/10