The Scanning Electron Microscope laboratory was established at CHQ, GSI, Kolkata in 1977 with the SEM model Stereoscan 600. This model was replaced by a new SEM with Energy Dispersive Spectrometer in 1995. The current SEM model in use is S440 of LEO Electron Microscopy Ltd (Carl Zeiss) with EDX of Oxford Instruments (UK). The equipment is maintained in a dust free air-conditioned environment throughout the year. The semiconductor detector of EDX is kept under liquid nitrogen.

This instrument is being utilized for

• Study of microfossils,
• Petrographic / microtextures of thin-polished section,
• Noble metal search
• Indicator minerals for Kimberlite clan rock for diamond investigation
• Metallurgical and ceramic studies

GSI is presently having similar facility in SRO, Hyderabad and NRO, Lucknow. Service is extended to various projects of GSI as well as to outside agencies on payment basis. GSI has qualified and trained officers to carry out the study along with other scientists from the user agencies.

Schedule of charge is Rs 1089=00 per hour plus ST & EC Rs 133=00.

NOTE
The maximum size of specimen that can be studied in SEM is 3” X 1” with 1 cm height. The samples require Au- coating for SEM studies and Carbon coating for EDX. For EDX analysis, sample surface must be diamond polished.
Types of specimens that can be studied are rock chips, thin polished sections, mineral grains, metal and ceramic chips, microfossils and biological specimens like spore-pollen, dry leaves, dry seeds, etc.