Energy Dispersive Detector Upgrade for USGS

The United States Geological Survey (USGS), Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center (GGGSC) in Denver, Colorado, has a requirement for a new Energy Dispersive Detector (EDS) or an equal to the Oxford Instruments Ultim Infinity 170. This instrument is crucial for the Denver Microbeam Laboratory, supporting the study of critical minerals and energy resources through in-situ chemical data collection at the micrometer scale. The EDS allows for detailed analysis of mineral deportment, fluid chemistries, and mineral paragenesis, which guides further scientific research. The minimum salient characteristics for the detector include a sensor size of at least 150 mm², attachment to an existing FEI 450 Quanta FESEM via vendor-supplied flange, motorized control for insertion and retraction, a thin window for Beryllium detection, and a built-in Peltier cooling system. Functionally, the detector must identify elements from Beryllium to Uranium, integrate with existing Oxford E1 and X4 control boxes and Unity/C Nano hardware, and support automated workflows for collecting and processing large area data, including simultaneous collection from other detectors. The software must also allow for data cube storage, user-defined area extraction, rigorous quantification with user and factory standards, phase analysis, and pulse pile-up suppression and correction. Performance requirements include factory characterization of the displayed output, resolution at C Ka of <= 50 eV at 50,000 cps throughput, resolution at Mn Ka of <= 130 eV at 200,000 cps throughput, and resolution drift not exceeding 2 eV from 1000 to 100,000 cps throughput. The detector must achieve 1,000,000 cps in the total spectrum without observable artifacts like pulse pile-up peaks.