Accuracy, precision and detection limits of energy‐dispersive electron‐microprobe analyses of silicates

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Abstract
Thirty analyses of each of nine well‐characterized silicate glasses and minerals have been made, using a Link Systems Model 290‐2KX energy‐dispersive spectrometer, fitted to a Cambridge Geoscan. Statistical analysis of the analytical data shows that the accuracy and precision of energy‐dispersive analyses are comparable to wavelength‐dispersive analyses, provided that more than about 1 wt% of each element of interest is present. The detection limits for different elements vary accrding to the nature of the sample, the element concerned and the counting time. For 100 liveseconds counting times the detection limits are in the range from 0.05–0.26 wt % of elements.