What is BEX?
BEX is a pioneering analytical technique for SEM. BEX combines Backscattered Electron and X-ray (BEX) imaging in a single technique, simultaneously. In an industry breakthrough, the best of both techniques are integrated to accelerate your time to discovery.
What can I do with BEX that I couldn’t before?
Until now, analysis in an SEM has been a static, step-by-step process that relied on experience-based instinct to obtain good results in a timely manner. A secondary electron signal obtains topographical information about a sample. Backscattered electron signal provides indicative compositional information. These data combine to give the typical black and white electron microscope image. To obtain firm compositional information, EDS analysis is then applied. If nothing of interest is found in the area of sample under scrutiny, you have to start over.
BEX combines the topographic, crystallographic, atomic number and elemental information in an immediate visual output while you navigate around your sample. So you no longer need to trust luck or judgement to find areas of interest in your sample. Instead, BEX allows you to immediately review the results, and either focus in on points of interest or move on.
More information about the BEX technique a more in-depth article can be found here.