electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD)

Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) is a technique used to analyze the microscopic structure of crystalline materials, like metals and minerals. When a focused electron beam hits a polished sample surface in a microscope, some electrons scatter back and form a pattern. This pattern reveals the arrangement of atoms in the crystal, allowing scientists to determine the material's grain orientation, phases, and defects. EBSD provides detailed, map-like images of material structures, helping researchers understand properties like strength, durability, or how a material might behave under different conditions.