This technique uses a scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS) x-ray microanalyzer and sample stage automation. The technique locates, measures the size, and quantitatively determines the major chemistry of particles ranging from 1 to 300 µm. The output data include particle size versus mineralogy relationships. This technique is used mainly to determine minerals in coal and can be used to analyze fly ash. The sample is usually cross-sectioned by casting in carnauba wax, cutting with a precision diamond saw, and polishing.

Computer-Controlled Scanning Electron Microscopy, Particulate Matter _2.5 (CCSEM PM_2.5)
This technique is an automated scanning electron microscope procedure developed to size, shape, and chemically classify ambient air particles collected on either a polycarbonate filter or double-sided carbon tape. This procedure sizes and chemically analyzes particles from 0.5 to 2.5 µm (PM_2.5) and 2.5 to 10 µm (PM₁₀). Image analysis methods are used to determine the size and shape of the detected particles based on the size and number of pixels used to create the image. EDS x-ray spectra are collected, atomic number, absorption, and fluorescence (ZAF)-corrected and sorted by an independent computer program into chemical or phase categories.