Carbon contamination quantification question

[Juvegre]

Question regarding SEM-EDS: A colleague of mine observed that in the EDS spectrum of a carbon-coated sample, the carbon peak is there (ok, that`s reasonable, nothing strange here). However, when he analyses another sample, without carbon coating, the EDS spectrum has carbon peak as well. Further, an EDS spectrum captured from the copper tape which used to offer adequate conductive conditions and glue over the thin section with the sample holder gave ~10wt% carbon (on quantitative mode). Is that reasonable?

[Probeman]

Question regarding SEM-EDS: A colleague of mine observed that in the EDS spectrum of a carbon-coated sample, the carbon peak is there (ok, that`s reasonable, nothing strange here). However, when he analyses another sample, without carbon coating, the EDS spectrum has carbon peak as well. Further, an EDS spectrum captured from the copper tape which used to offer adequate conductive conditions and glue over the thin section with the sample holder gave ~10wt% carbon (on quantitative mode). Is that reasonable?

Some questions:

1. Was it double-sided or single sided adhesive Cu tape?

2. What was the operating voltage?   That is, was Cu La analyzed or Cu Ka?

3. What instrument was used to press down on the copper tape?

4. High vacuum mode or variable pressure?