energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy

Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) is a technique used to determine the elemental composition of a sample. When a sample is exposed to a focused beam of electrons, it emits X-rays with energies characteristic of its elements. By measuring these energies, EDS identifies which elements are present and in what amounts. This method allows scientists to analyze the material’s makeup quickly and accurately, providing valuable information in fields like materials science, geology, and biology. Essentially, EDS acts like a "fingerprint" detector for elements within a sample.