Use of the STEM to obtain precise electronic information has been hampered by the lack of energy loss analysis capable of a resolution and accuracy comparable to the 0.3eV energy width of the Field Emission Source. Recent work by Park, et. al. and earlier by Crewe, et. al. have promised magnetic sector devices that are capable of about 0.75eV resolution at collection angles (about 15mR) which are great enough to allow efficient use of the STEM probe current. These devices are also capable of 0.3eV resolution at smaller collection angles (4-5mR). The problem that arises, however, lies in the fact that, even with the collection efficiency approaching 1.0, several minutes of collection time are necessary for a good definition of a typical core loss or electronic transition. This is a result of the relatively small total beam current (1-10nA) that is available in the dedicated STEM. During this acquisition time, the STEM acceleration voltage may fluctuate by as much as 0.5-1.0V.
Thermal loss analysis and improvements for biomass conversion reactors