EELS & EFTEM Analysis Training School

Overview

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals details of natural and man-made structures at the micrometer, nanometer, and even sub-nanometer scale. Energy-filtered TEM (EFTEM) and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) are the ideal analytical partners to the high spatial resolution provided by TEM in both the conventional and scanned (STEM) imaging modes.

This course reviews the basic theory and practice of EELS imaging and analysis in the TEM, but its main emphasis is on practical techniques, optimum deployment of Gatan hardware and software systems, and advanced EELS and EFTEM applications. Some prior experience with EELS, EFTEM, and Gatan systems is recommended, as is a good familiarity with TEM/STEM instrumentation and techniques. By the end of the course, participants can expect to know how best to optimize the performance of their Gatan EELS hardware as well as their EELS and EFTEM experimental setups in order to capture and extract the maximum amount of information from their TEM samples.

Topics

• Fundamentals of EELS and energy-filtered imaging in TEM
• Principles of operation of Gatan EFTEM and EELS systems
• Optimization of EFTEM and EELS data acquisition
• Quantification of elemental composition
• Other information provided by EFTEM/EELS and how best to extract it
• Use of EELS signals to form maps of elemental and chemical composition
• EFTEM and STEM EELS spectrum imaging techniques
• Identification of material phases via EELS fine structure mapping
• Applications to biological and physical science specimens

Daily activities typically include two 1-hour lectures, two 90-minute demonstration labs, and two 90-minute practical lab periods. Lab sessions are split evenly between data-acquisition techniques in the TEM lab and data analysis procedures at off-line computer workstations running the latest Gatan Microscopy Suite^® (GMS) software.

The instructional staff is largely drawn from experienced analytical TEM specialists at Gatan. The practical lab periods, supervised by Gatan staff, provide participants the opportunity for hands-on practice with EELS and EFTEM techniques. Participants are encouraged to bring their own documented and non-proprietary specimens for this purpose.

A range of Gatan EFTEM and EELS instrumentation and software will be available during the course, featuring the GIF Quantum^® energy filter with STEMPack spectrum imaging. The GIF Quantum/STEMPack systems are mounted to a JEOL 2010 column with FasTEM and an FEI Tecnai 20 (both with LaB6 electron sources) in our application demo lab in Pleasanton. While the labs will use the GIF Quantum, the lessons will be equally applicable to users of all GIF and Enfina^® systems.

Registration

Gatan reserves the right to cancel any Gatan school due to low enrollment or for any other reason, at any time.

Payment

To arrange payment of the registration fee for each school, please contact your local Gatan Sales office to complete your registration. For a listing of local offices, click here.

A completed school registration form and confirmed payment are required to secure your place in the school. The school registration fee includes all educational materials, daily breakfast and lunch at the Gatan Research and Development Facility, a certificate of completion, and a celebration dinner. Travel, accommodations, and other meals are not included.

Location

General Directions:

• From I-580, take exit 46 for Hacienda Drive
• Turn South onto Hacienda Drive (1.3 miles)
• Hacienda Drive ends at W. Las Positas Blvd. Gatan is located on the corner of Hacienda Drive and W. Las Positas Blvd.
  
• Turn left into the Gatan Parking Lot at 5794 W. Las Positas Blvd.

Airports

The local airports (closest to farthest) are:

• Oakland International (OAK) (1)
  
• San Jose International (SJC) (3)
  
• San Francisco International (SFO) (2)
  

Airport Transportation Services from Oakland International Airport:

• Call 1-510-563-3330 for shuttle, limo, and taxi services.
• The trip will cost approximately $50. Please allow 1 hour travel time.

If you are flying into San Francisco International (SFO): Upon Arrival at SFO, claim your luggage on the lower level. Proceed to the upper level and outside to the outer curb.  Follow the blue SuperShuttle signs to the uniformed Airport Guest Coordinators in teal green jackets. They will arrange SuperShuttle transportation to your destination. Reservations are not required. The trip will cost approximately $60. Please allow 90 minutes travel time.

The following Car Rental companies have offices at all airports:

Avis (800) 331-1212
Budget (800) 527-0700
Dollar (800) 421-6878
Hertz (800) 654-3131
National (800) 227-7368

Accommodations

• Individual Call In: Individual guest reservations can be made by calling the hotel directly at (925) 463-1212, 1.877.LARKSPUR. Please mention that you are a “Gatan training school participant.”
• Online: Guests need to make reservations on or before March 12, in order to receive the special room rate. To reserve your room at the Larkspur Landing on-line, click here.
• If you have questions regarding your reservation or want to make changes to your itinerary, please contact: