IMAGING AND IMAGE ANALYSIS

Earth scientists have access to the campus Microscopy and Imaging Facility (formerly the Electron Microscope Facility). This lab has both scanning and transmission electron microscopes, light microscopes equipped for photography and digital image capture, image analysis computers, photographic equipment for copying, and a complete black and white darkroom for printing.

The scanning electron microscope is equipped with secondary (SE) and backscattered electron (BSE) detectors and an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) for the analysis of minerals. The SEM is also capable of direct, digital acquisition of images and X-ray spectra.

One of the facility's transmission electron microscopes is equipped with a double tilt goniometer stage and an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer useful for mineral analysis and diffraction.

In addition, the lab has specimen preparation equipment for many types of samples including a vacuum evaporator, sputter coater, and ion thinner.

Additionally, the EPS Electron Microprobe Lab (see Elemental Analysis page) has BSE, SE, EDS, and cathode luminescence imaging with digital image capture. Also house in this lab is a cathode luminescence microscope for viewing larger luminescence features than can be viewed in the electron microprobe.

The Thermo-Chronology/Tectonics group also maintains a suite of microscopic equipment including petrographic microscopes; grain picking and viewing microscopes; a Vertical Scanning Interferometer; and digital image capture.