Rare‐Earth Element Reference Samples for Electron Microprobe Analysis

Abstract

Fourteen rare‐earth (plus scandium and yttrium) orthophosphates have been synthesized and characterized for use as electron microprobe reference samples. These reference samples are single‐element phosphates that are homogeneous, stable under the electron beam, and free of interfering elements. They have a stoichiometric composition (RPO4) with the element of interest (R) ranging from 32 to 64 weight percent. Copyright © 1991, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved