# Multi-Technique Metrology Problem Solving > The Value of Multiple Techniques for Resolving Materials Science Challenges At Covalent, we often get calls from clients asking us for a quote to perform a specific analytical technique. We understand there are times when it’s clear what is needed, and a single technique will do. But someone once told me, “When you only have a […] Source: https://covalent.com/blog/multi-technique-metrology-problem-solving/ Updated: 2025-12-25T15:25:16+00:00 --- ![](https://spcdn.shortpixel.ai/spio/ret_img,q_cdnize,to_auto,s_webp:avif/covalent.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2024-AUG_Aram-Value-of-Multiple-Techniques_FeaturedImage.png) ![](https://spcdn.shortpixel.ai/spio/ret_img,q_cdnize,to_auto,s_webp:avif/covalent.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2024-AUG_Aram-Value-of-Multiple-Techniques_FeaturedImage.png) # Multi-Technique Metrology Problem Solving Aram Sarkissian • Aug 27, 2024 ## **The Value of Multiple Techniques for Resolving Materials Science Challenges** At Covalent, we often get calls from clients asking us for a quote to perform a specific analytical technique. We understand there are times when it’s clear what is needed, and a single technique will do. But someone once told me, “When you only have a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” Sometimes, **describing the analytical goal vs. jumping to a known technique may open up options that can provide a more comprehensive picture that gets you to your goal faster and more cost-effectively.** Relying on just one material analysis technique can be limiting because no single method can provide a comprehensive understanding of a material’s properties, structure, and composition. Here’s why using multiple techniques is important: ### 1. Limited Information Different techniques offer different insights. For example, [X-ray Diffraction / X-ray Diffractometry (XRD)](https://covalent.com/techniques/morphology-structural-analysis/x-ray-diffraction-xrd/) is excellent for identifying crystal structures, but it doesn’t reveal much about chemical composition. [Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)](https://covalent.com/techniques/electron-microscopy/scanning-electron-microscopy-sem/) provides detailed images of surface morphology, while techniques like Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) are [needed for elemental analysis](https://covalent.com/blog/ct-vs-sem-10-comparisons-for-subsurface-imaging-analysis/). ### 2. Complementary Data Using a combination of techniques allows for a more complete analysis. For example, XRD gives you information about crystal structures, while other methods provide detailed views of surface features or chemical compositions. Occasionally, high-resolution techniques like [Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)](https://covalent.com/techniques/electron-microscopy/transmission-electron-microscopy-tem/) may be used for very specific, detailed structural information at a microscopic level. ### 3. Depth of Analysis Some methods focus on surface properties (e.g., [X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy / XPS](https://covalent.com/techniques/chemical-analysis/x-ray-photoelectron-spectroscopy/)), while others analyze bulk characteristics (e.g., X-ray fluorescence / XRF). To ensure that both surface and internal details are captured, a combination of methods is needed. ### 4. Overcoming Limitations Each technique has its own limitations. For instance, certain techniques might require specific sample preparations or may be sensitive to particular material properties. By using a variety of methods, including those that can examine internal structures, you can address these challenges and achieve a more comprehensive view. ### 5. Complex Materials Modern materials, especially those with multiple phases or complex compositions, often require multiple techniques to fully understand their structure and properties. Different methods can reveal various aspects of these materials, ensuring that nothing important is overlooked. ### 6. Accuracy and Precision Cross-referencing data from different techniques improves the accuracy and reliability of your analysis. This approach helps confirm findings and provides a more robust understanding of the material. ### 7. Regulatory and Industry Standards Many industries require the use of multiple analytical techniques to meet regulatory standards. This ensures that materials are thoroughly characterized and meet the necessary specifications for safety and performance. ### 8. Interdisciplinary Insights Using a range of techniques allows you to draw on knowledge from different scientific disciplines, providing a broader and more nuanced understanding of the material. This approach often uncovers insights that might be missed if only one technique is used. So, while individual techniques can provide highly specific insights, the real value comes from using a combination of methods to achieve a complete, accurate, and reliable understanding of the material. This multi-technique approach is crucial for informed decision-making in research, development, and quality control. With a large install base of tools in our facility, dozens of analytical techniques and our collaborative technical team approach, we have more than just a hammer! About the Author ![Aram Sarkissian](https://spcdn.shortpixel.ai/spio/ret_img,q_cdnize,to_auto,s_webp:avif/covalent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/aram-sarkissian-150x150.jpeg) Aram Sarkissian Vice President, Growth and Strategy With over 30 years of experience supporting semiconductor and microelectronic companies in the testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) laboratory sector, Aram is a service-centric senior business leader with a strong combination of P&L management experience, commercial acumen and transformation expertise in advanced technology services. He has a proven record in overseeing engineering, sales & marketing, and management in private, public, and private equity companies. Aram consistently spurred corporate growth and built deeper customer relationships throughout his career. Throughout his career, he has identified and acquired labs to expand the scope, talent, and customer base of his past companies; developed and implemented business initiatives that have resulted in significant revenue growth; and built and maintained key supplier relationships to gain access to technology, capability, and capacity, resulting in added revenue share and creative, low-cost solutions. 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The non-destructive scans ultimately helped identify an entirely new species: Microeledone galapagensis, a small blue...](https://covalent.com/blog/new-octopus-species-revealed-with-microct/) [![Read time](https://spcdn.shortpixel.ai/spio/ret_img,q_cdnize,to_auto,s_webp:avif/covalent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/clock.svg) 12min read ![What Is Aerogel Used For? Applications, Properties, and Characterization](https://spcdn.shortpixel.ai/spio/ret_img,q_cdnize,to_auto,s_webp:avif/covalent.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/aerogel-insulation-is-used-where.jpg) May 11, 2026 ### What Is Aerogel Used For? Applications, Properties, and Characterization At a glance, aerogel is used mainly for thermal insulation and thermal barriers, especially in silica aerogel blankets, panels, coatings, and composites. 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