Multi-technique Metrology Problem Solving
The Value of Multiple Techniques for Resolving Materials Science Challenges
Published
At Covalent, we often get calls from clients asking us for a quote to perform a specific analytical technique. We understand there are times when it’s clear what is needed, and a single technique will do. But someone once told me, “When you only have a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” Sometimes, describing the analytical goal vs. jumping to a known technique may open up options that can provide a more comprehensive picture that gets you to your goal faster and more cost-effectively.
Relying on just one material analysis technique can be limiting because no single method can provide a comprehensive understanding of a material’s properties, structure, and composition.
Read More about the value of multiple techniques . . .
Here’s why using multiple techniques is important:
1. Limited Information
Different techniques offer different insights. For example, X-ray Diffraction / X-ray Diffractometry (XRD) is excellent for identifying crystal structures, but it doesn’t reveal much about chemical composition. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) provides detailed images of surface morphology, while techniques like Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) are needed for elemental analysis.
2. Complementary Data
Using a combination of techniques allows for a more complete analysis. For example, XRD gives you information about crystal structures, while other methods provide detailed views of surface features or chemical compositions. Occasionally, high-resolution techniques like Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) may be used for very specific, detailed structural information at a microscopic level.
3. Depth of Analysis
Some methods focus on surface properties (e.g., X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy / XPS), while others analyze bulk characteristics (e.g., X-ray fluorescence / XRF). To ensure that both surface and internal details are captured, a combination of methods is needed.
4. Overcoming Limitations
Each technique has its own limitations. For instance, certain techniques might require specific sample preparations or may be sensitive to particular material properties. By using a variety of methods, including those that can examine internal structures, you can address these challenges and achieve a more comprehensive view.
5. Complex Materials
Modern materials, especially those with multiple phases or complex compositions, often require multiple techniques to fully understand their structure and properties. Different methods can reveal various aspects of these materials, ensuring that nothing important is overlooked.
6. Accuracy and Precision
Cross-referencing data from different techniques improves the accuracy and reliability of your analysis. This approach helps confirm findings and provides a more robust understanding of the material.
7. Regulatory and Industry Standards
Many industries require the use of multiple analytical techniques to meet regulatory standards. This ensures that materials are thoroughly characterized and meet the necessary specifications for safety and performance.
8. Interdisciplinary Insights
Using a range of techniques allows you to draw on knowledge from different scientific disciplines, providing a broader and more nuanced understanding of the material. This approach often uncovers insights that might be missed if only one technique is used.
So, while individual techniques can provide highly specific insights, the real value comes from using a combination of methods to achieve a complete, accurate, and reliable understanding of the material. This multi-technique approach is crucial for informed decision-making in research, development, and quality control.
With a large install base of tools in our facility, dozens of analytical techniques and our collaborative technical team approach, we have more than just a hammer!
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