Use of WetSEM® capsules for convenient multimodal scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and micro Raman spectroscopy characterisation of technetium oxides

Abstract

SEM–EDX and Raman spectroscopy analysis of radioactive compounds is often restricted to dedicated instrumentation, within radiological working areas, to manage the hazard and risk of contamination. Here, we demonstrate application of WetSEM® capsules for containment of technetium powder materials, enabling routine multimodal characterisation with general user instrumentation, outside of a controlled radiological working area. The electron transparent membrane of WetSEM® capsules enables SEM imaging of submicron non-conducting technetium powders and acquisition of Tc Lα X-ray emission, using a low cost desktop SEM–EDX system, as well as acquisition of good quality μ-Raman spectra using a 532 nm laser.