This web site provides a short introduction to Automated Crystal Orientation Microscopy (ACOM) by Backscatter Kikuchi Diffraction (BKD) in the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).

This technique is often called "Automated Electron BackScatter Diffraction" ("Automated EBSD"), in particular when referring to commercial systems. However, the acronym "EBSD" or similar abbreviations should not be mistaken for Backscatter Electron Diffraction (BED) in general. Backscatter electron diffraction from bulk surfaces comprises four well-established techniques:

• Low Energy Electron Diffraction (LEED)
• Reflection High Energy Electron Diffraction (RHEED)
• Backscatter Channeling Diffraction (ECP)
• Backscatter Kikuchi Diffraction (BKD, EBSD).

BKD has become very popular in materials science and geology during the last decade. There are several reasons for the success of this novel technique:

• A wealth of information is obtained about the crystallography and microstructure of bulk polycrystals.
• The importance of crystal texture and materials' anisotropy has been generally realized.
• Progress in low-light level camera and computer technology has enabled fast and automated systems.
• Commercial systems are easy to operate.
• Specimen preparation is relatively simple.
• Scanning electron microscopes are widely available in many laboratories.