| Element | % |
| Ga | 48.20 |
| As | 51.80 |
|
|
| Sum | 100.0 |
|
|  | |
| 200 µ m
| |
|
This is a reflected light micrograph of polished, carbon coated synthetic gallium arsenide
crystals. The identifying etched label, which is a feature
of our standards, is invaluable for navigating in an electron beam instrument.
There are no minerals containing significant amounts of gallium for use as a
standard. Arsenic is an element which oxidizes easily and so is unsuitable for
mounting and polishing. But the compound, GaAs, widely used in the semi-conductor
business, contains both these elements in major amounts, and is stable and easily
polished. hence its presence in this set.
|