Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) determines crystallographic information from samples in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Crystallographic texture, preferred orientation, grain structure and micro structure can all be mapped.

A beam of electrons is directed onto a tilted crystalline sample in a SEM.  The electrons interact with the atoms in the crystal lattice and undergo backscatter diffraction.  The electrons' fluorescence on the phosphor screen of a camera is recorded by a CCD.  Sopftware is used to determine a range of information from this diffraction pattern.

Phase map identifies sintered titania (blue) and silver (red) nanoparticles. Grain boundaries in particles are marked in black. Image size: 2 x 2 microns