Electron Microprobe

Instrument that analyzes the chemistry of very small spots by bombarding the sample with a focused electron beam and measuring the X-raysHigh-energy electromagnetic radiation, with short wavelength (~10-0.01 nm) and high frequency (greater than ~1016 Hertz). Although the boundaries are somewhat arbitrary, wavelengths shorter than 0.01 nm are called gamma-rays and those longer than 10 nm extreme ultraviolet (EUV). X-rays would be produced by blackbody radiation at temperatures in excess of produced. The amount and energy of the x-rays indicate the chemical composition of the sample. The electron microprobe is an important tool used in determining the composition of meteorites.