Picture of segmented active ingredient particles in an antihistamine tablet. Following imaging on a ZEISS Versa XRM, the data was reconstructed using ZEISS DeepRecon Pro to improve contrast between similar low density materials for better segmentation. Widest width of tablet is 5 mm.

Controlled Electron Channeling Contrast Imaging (CECCI): TEM-like Defect Imaging on Your SEM

Webinar: 17th June 2025

  • Introduction to ZEISS Gemini column electron microscopy
  • How to observe extended crystal lattice defects like dislocations and stacking faults.
  • The basic principle of contrast formation, and how electrons channel into a crystal lattice when the incident beam hits the lattice along the Bragg angle.
  • What is required for a methodical workflow involving a suitable scanning electron microscope with optimal beam conditions coupled with a sophisticated crystallographic analysis software.
Image showing Comparison of FDK and PhaseEvolve reconstructed data of riboflavin (vitamin B2) powders. Also phase classification using Mineralogic 3D, and further morphological segmentation and classification using ZEN Intellesis. Reconstructed 3D volume shows two examples of the 3 grain types.
Comparison of FDK and PhaseEvolve reconstructed data of riboflavin (vitamin B2) powders. Also phase classification using Mineralogic 3D, and further morphological segmentation and classification using ZEN Intellesis. Reconstructed 3D volume shows two examples of the 3 grain types.
Comparison of FDK and PhaseEvolve reconstructed data of riboflavin (vitamin B2) powders. Also phase classification using Mineralogic 3D, and further morphological segmentation and classification using ZEN Intellesis. Reconstructed 3D volume shows two examples of the 3 grain types.

Join our free webinar on June 17th 2025

Controlled Electron Channeling Contrast Imaging (CECCI) In Scanning Electron Microscopy

Discover a new approach to characterize dislocations in bulk samples using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) in this upcoming webinar. Explore how to visualize crystallographic defects in polycrystalline materials using controlled electron channeling contrast imaging (cECCI) in an SEM. Join us as we highlight the potential of cECCI and how it enables the observation of extended crystal lattice defects such as dislocations and stacking faults. It exploits the dependence of backscattered electron intensity on crystal orientation and atomic order.
Listen to a pioneer in materials science and study the basic principles of electron channeling contrast, the importance of determining the perfect imaging condition, and how any defect that disturbs the order of the lattice planes is made visible. Learn how to navigate the challenges of ECCI's low contrast intensity and master the necessary controlled workflow for optimal results.
The method requires an SEM with optimal beam conditions and sophisticated crystallographic analysis software. The advantages over TEM (transmission EM) are that you are no longer limited to thin films as you can now observe bulk samples. This allows you to benefit from simplified sample preparation, facilitated in-situ experiments, and access to true sample representivity.
Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding of the basic principles of cECCI utilizing a ZEISS field emission SEM with Gemini electron optics and TOCA (Tools for Orientation Determination and Crystallographic Analysis) software.

Webinar Speakers

Speaker Dr. Stefan Zaefferer Physicist and Developer of the software TOCA (Tools for orientation determination and crystallographic analysis)

Dr. Zaefferer studied materials science and electron microscopy at the TU Clausthal, Germany, and obtained his PhD on a TEM investigation on textures and microstructures in titanium alloy. After post doc times abroad, he joined the Max-Planck-Institute for Iron Research and became leader of the group “microscopy and diffraction”. Since 2010 he is also lecturer at the RWTH Aachen. His most recent work is the third edition of “Introduction to Texture Analysis” by Engler, Zaefferer and Randle.

Speaker Dr. Antonio Casares ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions

Dr. Antonio Casares is a sales and applications specialist at ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions in Germany. He is an expert in Electron microscopy and X-ray microscopy and has more than 25 years of experience in the design and construction of mass spectrometers and electron microscopes, as well as in-depth application knowledge of these techniques.

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