Calibration Curve
In addition, Probe for EPMA offers a sophisticated calibration curve based on a 2nd order polynomial fit to multiple standard intensities. This option is best employed in special situations such as the analysis of trace carbon or nitrogen in metal alloys and when a suitable set of standards are available. Probe for EPMA will calculate a separate calibration curve for off-peak and MAN acquired data (MAN acquired data is not corrected for background with the Calibration Curve). If a standard is available that contains a zero concentration of the element, it will also be included in the Calibration Curve fit.
Generally, for best results, it is preferred to have a set of 4 or more standards with a similar matrix to the unknown and a range of the element of interest that brackets the unknown concentration. Probe for EPMA will construct a separate set of calibration curves for both off-peak and MAN element data and fit a 2nd order polynomial expression that is used in the iteration procedure to determine the concentration of the element.
In the analysis printout the program will display the three polynomial fit coefficients for the standard intensity fit for each element (in cps/nominal beam units), "FIT1:", "FIT2:" and "FIT3:" and the average relative deviation in percent.
Elements calculated by difference or stoichiometry can be calculated also along with the calibration curve corrected elements. The program will print a warning if this correction method is selected.