Uncertainty estimates for EPMA

Scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, USA, have recently discussed some fundamental problems in quantitative electron probe X-ray micro analysis (EPMA). The main arguments center on two significant sources of uncertainty in the quantitative matrix correction models; the mass absorption coefficient and the backscatter coefficient. For more information, see the paper, "Uncertainty Estimates for Electron Probe X.ray Microanalysis Measurements", N. W. M. Ritchie et al., Anal. Chem., Article ASAP, Publication Date (Web): 22 Oct 2012.