Sem/eds analysis laboratories with MicroVision Laboratories? Light microscopy allows for the examination of optical and structural properties of a variety of samples. Optical properties such as polarization and birefringence help to differentiate between fibers, minerals, ceramics, biological materials and opaque materials including paints, coatings and metallic particles. This allows a wide range of particles to be quickly and effectively identified and quantified by an experienced analyst.
Approach: MicroVision Labs’ staff consulted with the client, and determined that, unfortunately, there could be a number of potential sources of a white material. Even before the bottle with the suspended material arrived, it was determined that there was less than 50 mL of water remaining, and likely less than a gram of material suspended in the water. The client was aware that this material could represent precipitated minerals from the source water, a polymer residue from the bottles, some form of biological tissue that might have formed despite sterilization procedures, or could very well represent some completely unforeseen foreign material. The issue facing the client is how to have the material tested, as most tests that they might request for one or the other of these known potential sources would destroy or alter the sample. Choosing a test was therefore something of a gamble, because if they tested for calcium (mineral precipitate) and it came up negative – that didn’t actually tell them what the powder was, just that it didn’t have any calcium. Based on this conversation, the non-destructive, specialized testing at MicroVision Laboratories was chosen as the best choice.
MicroVision Laboratories’ analytical experts were able to meet with the QC Engineers and develop an analytical plan as to which solder joints to cross section and inspect. The client not only wanted to determine if there were any significant issues with the solder joint but also determine that there was a good intermetallic bond between the tin/lead solder and the copper wires of the chip packages.
What is your standard turnaround time (TAT) and can it be expedited? Our standard TAT is 5 to 10 business days. We can provide faster TATs on request with the following surcharges: – Same day to 24 hour rush is 100% surcharge – 2 day rush is 75% surcharge – 3 day rush is 50% surcharge – 4 day rush is 25% surcharge Rush requests must have prior approval otherwise we cannot guarantee turnaround times. Find a few more details at microscopy lab.
An affected floor tile was submitted to determine if the previous mold testing had missed a source on the tile backing or mastic. Additionally, a new tile from the same manufacturing lot was submitted for comparison. The process of preparing and examining the sample and reference tile was documented. Areas with darkened surface features were imaged and then cut out and examined. While the dark spots looked very discrete when examined by eye, under top light polarized microscopy they appeared more diffuse at the outer edges. The darkest areas surrounded what appeared to be particles embedded in the surface.
MicroVision Laboratories, Inc. has been providing businesses, consultants and other testing laboratories with expert microscopy and analytical services since 2003. Our client base covers a broad spectrum of industries including semi-conductors, aerospace, electronics, biomedical, ceramics, optics, pharmaceuticals, mineralogy, metallurgy, thin films, environmental, membranes filtration and industrial hygiene. Find a few more info on https://microvisionlabs.com/.