Development Of A Cathodoluminescence Microscope For Refractory Analysis

Cathodoluminescence (CL) microscopy is an investigative method that is complimentary to optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), whilst exploiting aspects of both techniques. Its main area of application is in the geological sciences, the field in which it was initially developed; it has seen only limited use in the study of refractories and technical ceramics. Although several commercial systems are available, their use is largely restricted to universities and research institutions. One reason for this is the relatively high equipment cost, starting around US$ 25,000 for a stage mounted optical microscope unit, rising to US$ 80,000 for complete microscope systems.