Quantitative X-Ray Microanalysis: Problem Solving Using EDS and WDS Techniques

An intensive five-day short course designed to provide theoretical foundations, advanced calculations, and hands-on laboratory experiences on EPMA and microprobe instruments.

📅 Session Dates: June 1–5, 2026
⏳ Duration: 5 Days (Full-Time)
📍 Location: Whitaker Laboratory, Lehigh University

Course Structure & Textbook Reference

*All rooms are in Whitaker Lab unless specified otherwise.

Please note that all lectures are highlighted in boldface and labs are listed in normal font weight.

Monday, June 1 (Lectures are in boldface, lab titles in normal font)
TimeSession / TitleRoomLecturer
Morning Session
8:30-8:40
8:45-8:50
Welcome
Lecture Course Roadmap
303*

203
Watanabe

P.Carpenter
8:50-10:00Lecture Overview of EPMA Electron-Specimen Interaction and Monte Carlo Modelling203P.Carpenter
10:00-10:20Break——
10:20-12:00Lecture Quantitative Microanalysis: Energy-Dispersive Spectrometry203Von der Handt
Afternoon Session
1:30-3:00Lecture Quantitative Microanalysis: Wavelength-Dispersive Spectrometry203P.Carpenter
3:00-3:30Break——
3:30-5:15Software Tools for Microanalysis—1 (Casino, DTSA-II, Laptop computers)251P.Carpenter, Neill
5:15Dinner——
Evening Session
7:00-8:00Lecture Matrix Corrections203Von der Handt
8:00-9:00Lecture Standards and Accuracy203P.Carpenter
9:00-9:30Discussion203P.Carpenter, Von der Handt, Neill
Tuesday, June 2 (Lectures are in boldface, lab titles in normal font)
TimeSession / TitleRoomLecturer
Morning Session
8:30-10:00

Lab 1: EDS Quantitative Microanalysis—1: Qualitative Analysis

Hitachi 3500/Bruker EDS
164Neill, P.Carpenter, Von der Handt
10:00-10:20Break——
10:20-12:00Lecture EPMA Run Procedures—1: PFE Introductory203Von der Handt
Afternoon Session
1:15-3:00Lecture EPMA Run Procedures—2: PFE Advanced203P.Carpenter
3:00-3:20Break——
3:20-4:30Software Tools for Microanalysis—2 (CalcZAF and related, Laptop computers)251P.Carpenter
4:30-5:00Discussion251Von der Handt, P.Carpenter, Neill
5:15Dinner——
Evening Session
7:00-9:30

Lab 2: Quantitative WDS Microanalysis—1: Introductory

JEOL 8900 electron microprobe
158Neill, P.Carpenter, Von der Handt
Wednesday, June 3 (Lectures are in boldface, lab titles in normal font)
TimeSession / TitleRoomLecturer
Morning Session
8:30-10:00

Lab 3: EDS Microanalysis—2: Quantitative Analysis

Tescan/Oxford SDD
122Neill, P.Carpenter, Von der Handt
10:00-10:20Break——
10:20-12:00Lecture Complex Material Analysis, Special Samples203P.Carpenter
Afternoon Session
1:00-3:00

Lab 4: WDS Quantitative Microanalysis—2: Intermediate

JEOL 8900 electron microprobe
158Neill, P.Carpenter, Von der Handt
3:00-3:30Break——
3:30-4:45Lecture Quality Control and Statistics203Von der Handt
Evening Events
EveningBuses pick up in front of Whitaker lab building starting from 5:15 - 5:45 pm——
6:00Cocktail HourHotel Bethlehem—
7:00Course BanquetHotel Bethlehem—
Thursday, June 4 (Lectures are in boldface, lab titles in normal font)
TimeSession / TitleRoomLecturer
Morning Session
8:30-9:15Lecture Light Element and Trace Element Analysis203P.Carpenter
9:15-10:15Lecture Practical X-ray Microanalysis (Measurement Pitfalls)203Von der Handt
10:15-10:30Break——
10:30-12:00Software Tools – 3 (Badgerfilm and CalcZAF particle analysis, Laptop computers)251P.Carpenter, Von der Handt, Neill
Afternoon Session
1:15-3:30

Lab 5: WDS Quantitative Microanalysis—3: Advanced

JEOL 8900 electron microprobe
158Neill, P.Carpenter, Von der Handt
3:30-3:45Break——
3:45-5:00Lecture PFE Calculation Options and Stoichiometric Formula271Neill
5:15Dinner——
Evening Session
7:00-8:00Lecture Quantitative Compositional Mapping and Applications203P.Carpenter
8:00-9:00Lecture Automated Mineralogy203Von der Handt
Friday, June 5 (Lectures are in boldface, lab titles in normal font)
TimeSession / TitleRoomLecturer
Morning Session
8:30-9:30Lecture EPMA Analysis: Getting the Best Data, Debugging EPMA Runs203P.Carpenter
9:30-10:00General Discussion Session203Neill, P.Carpenter, Von der Handt
10:00-10:20Break——
10:20-11:00Lecture Reporting Results and Extracting Data203Von der Handt
11:00-12:00Lecture Hyperspectral Cathodoluminescence and EPMA Spectroscopy203P.Carpenter, Von der Handt
12:00Lunch (Box lunches)Whitaker Lobby—