Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) is a popular microanalytical technique that is used to identify and quantify the elements present in a sample. When working alongside a scanning electron microscope (SEM) or scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM), EDS can be used to create elemental maps of samples. 

Owing to its popularity EDS has many names - from the more conventional EDS to Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX or EDXS) or sometimes even Energy Dispersive Analysis of X-rays (EDAX).

Elemental mapping allows researchers to see their samples in colour - regions of interest that were previously invisible can suddenly become clear, contamination can be spotted, or information can be retrieved that can help develop understanding of the sample's history, formation conditions and macroscopic properties. 

These are just a few of the applications of EDS. To find out more about this powerful technique, and what is can be used for, continue reading!