Micoscope
Our lab has a research-grade Olympus BX51 polarizing microscope with both transmitted and reflected light capabilities. This is outfitted with an SC30, 3.2 MP CMOS camera and Olympus Stream software, allowing the projection of the microscope view onto a computer monitor, and for the capture of high resolution photomicrographs.
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
Our department co-hosts an SEM with the Biology department, acquired in 2015 through an NSF MRI grant to Drs. Shapiro, Nuester, Fleming and Wolfe. It can be used to image 2D or 3D samples, and has an Energy-Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS), allowing compositional analysis of samples.
Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS)
Our department hosts an ICP-MS, acquired in 2019 through an NSF EAR-IF grant to Drs. Aird, Matiasek and Nuester. It can be used to analyze the composition of samples once they have been dissolved in acid. Sample types include rocks, soils, water, and biological samples. Supporting equipment for this instrument includes a CEM MARS 6 microwave digestion system and a HF-resistant fumehood.
Cathodoluminescence (CL) Microscope
We have a CL microscope equipped with a camera, which allows us to examine and record different generations of mineral growth, particularly in quartz, carbonates and feldspars.
X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD)
Our department co-hosts an XRD in collaboration with the Chemistry and Physics departments. It can be used to determine the mineralogy of powdered geologic samples for research and class purposes. It is supported with MDI DataScan and MDI JADE 10 software.
Portable X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (pXRF)
Our department hosts a pXRF, which may be used to rapidly determine the bulk geochemical composition of geologic materials.
Core Photography System
In 2018 we set up a core photography system for high resolution photography of drillcores.
Thin Section Production Equipment
We are able to produce our own thin sections (both polished and covered) for use with microscopes and the SEM.
Rock Crushing Equipment
We are able to crush and digest our rock samples for use with the ICP-MS and XRD.
