Bombards a sample with a focused electron beam and looks for X-ray spikes in the bremsstrahlung emission at tabulated wavelengths corresponding to various atoms. The sample in such an experiment must be coated with carbon and grounded so the charge does not build up and repel incoming electrons. The detector is typically a Geiger counter. This technique will not work for light elements such as hydrogen, helium, lithium, and beryllium.

Electron Microscope