Microscopy providers in Chelmsford right now? Analysis and Results: The submitted bottle was examined for signs of interior distress, and the water from the bottle was removed and maintained. Some of the suspended particulate was filtered and examined non-destructively by light microscopy first, to characterize the material. A low magnification stereo microscope image of the filtered white particulate is shown in the image above. From this image, biological tissues were ruled out, and the material was observed to be crystalline. Polarized light microscopy (PLM) was used to analyze the sample next. From this examination, the material showed birefringence as shown in the PLM image on the right. The PLM Image Stereo Microscope image suspect material showed optical properties and morphology dissimilar to common carbonates and sulfates. It was determined to be a birefringent crystalline material, but it could not be identified using only PLM methods. Therefore, analysis using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) would have to be performed to obtain further information about the suspect material.
Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) identifies the elements present in a sample by analyzing the X-rays generated by the electron beam of the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), making it an indispensable tool. Since X-rays are only generated from the area of the surface excited by the small electron beam, spectra of individual areas or particles can be obtained. Spectral information can therefore be generated for an entire field of view by scanning the beam, providing an elemental map. With the high count rate and excellent signal to noise ratio of our advanced QDD EDS detectors, high resolution data sets are collected and analyzed in minutes, rather than days. This elemental mapping technique allows our clients to immediately visualize the chemical landscape in their samples. Additionally, since the entire spectra is stored for each pixel, areas of interest that are identified later can be examined in detail, without ever having to re-image the sample. Other labs can’t touch the quality and visual impact of the elemental maps we produce here at MicroVision Labs.
What is your standard turnaround time (TAT) and can it be expedited? Our standard TAT is 5 to 10 business days. We can provide faster TATs on request with the following surcharges: – Same day to 24 hour rush is 100% surcharge – 2 day rush is 75% surcharge – 3 day rush is 50% surcharge – 4 day rush is 25% surcharge Rush requests must have prior approval otherwise we cannot guarantee turnaround times. Explore a few more details at read more here. MicroVision Laboratories, Inc. has been providing businesses, consultants and other testing laboratories with expert microscopy and analytical services since 2003. Our client base covers a broad spectrum of industries including semi-conductors, aerospace, electronics, biomedical, ceramics, optics, pharmaceuticals, mineralogy, metallurgy, thin films, environmental, membranes filtration and industrial hygiene.
The client was contacted with the results, and was curious as to what the source of these particles might be. After consulting with the office manager, it was determined that some pieces of furniture present had relatively significant amounts of direct water exposure, and were subsequently dried a number of times during remittance construction. Inspection of these pieces of furniture showed that they had high density, close packed foam cushions of a type similar to the particles observed in the surrounding area, which had been broken down by the repeated wet/dry cycle.
Also, the color EDS map highlights the iron particles in the mineral filled PVC floor. These iron particles were concentrated in areas were the tile showed signs of impact which indicated some metallic object impacted the tile leaving behind small particles and over time the materials oxidized which created darker spots in the tile. The data indicated that a significant portion of the dust was from the insulation in the attic. The contractor had replaced a portion of duct work running to the master bedroom. During this replacement, fiberglass insulation was knocked into the ducting. The small glass insulation fibers were spread through the AC ducts and settling out of the air throughout the house. The client was relieved to know what was causing their skin irritation and the significant dust build up. Using the results garnered from the analysis from MicroVision Labs they were able to have the contractor clean out the duct work and act to prevent further spread of the insulation fibers and properly clean up the settled dust in the house that was the cause of the homeowner’s skin irritation. Explore a few more details at https://microvisionlabs.com/.