Combining Magnetic Field Maps and Chemical Data

Recent advances in the Quantum Diamond Microscope (QDM) have made it possible to pinpoint the magnetic sources in geologic samples down to a few micron resolution. This ability opens up a new world for paleomagnetism, allowing us a greater understanding of the minerals carrying our observed magnetic records and how different minerals may carry distinct signals. The resolution of the QDM rivals that of typical scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) which provide images and chemical data of minerals. 

At the moment, I am combining QDM data with SEM/EDS information to delve deeper into the variosu magnetic minerals in samples returned from asteroid Ryugu (see completed work here). While Ryugu samples show no clear bulk magnetic record, the samples are highly brecciated and consist of magnetite and pyrrhotite that formed at different times. I am using this data, as well as new capabilities in image segmentation, to determine if we can tease out the magnetic signatures from distinct generations of magnetite. These results may tell us more about the solar nebula, Ryugu's parent body, and perhaps even shed light on why asteroids appear to lack magnetic signatures despite numerous meteorites have clear records. Check back for more updates!