Embedded Files
The Southern Connecticut State University Department of Earth Sciences maintains an x-ray analysis laboratory for the purpose of characterizing earth materials. The laboratory houses a fully automated Panalytical Axios wavelength-dispersive spectrometer and a Rigaku x-ray powder diffractometer. The primary function of the laboratory is to support student-based research in the earth sciences and provide hands-on learning experiences for undergraduates. Students and researchers from other departments and universities, government agencies, or industry are welcome to use the facility for a nominal fee to partially defray the costs associated with sample preparation and equipment maintenance.
X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy
X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy
X-ray fluorescence is used to obtain the chemical composition of materials (rocks, sediments, soils). Samples are irradiated by a high intensity x-ray beam which causes electrons to be dislodged from the inner-shell orbitals of atoms in the sample. Replacement of these electron vacancies with electrons from the outer electron shells causes the atoms to emit (fluoresce) x-rays that have a characteristic energy (or wavelength) for each element in the sample. The intensity of the characteristic fluorescent x-rays is proportional to the concentration of the element in the sample allowing for quantitative evaluation of the chemical composition of the sample.
Panalytical Axios-Minerals , Wavelength dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer
Samples: Solids (pressed pellets, glasses), Sample holders 32mm diameter sample holder, 96 position sample changer
Sample chamber: Vacuum Only
X-ray Tube: Panalytical SST-maX , 60kV, 2.4 kilowatt, Rh Anode, end-window
Crystals: LiF 220, LiF 200, Ge 111, PE002, PX1
Filters: Brass 400um, Al 750um, Al 200um Primary Collimators: 150um, 300um, 700um
Collimator Masks: 6, 10, 20, 27, 30, 37mm Detectors: Flow, Scintillation
Element Range: F through U at concentrations from sub-ppm to 100%
Software: SuperQ (Theoretical and empirical influence coefficients - alpha coefficients, fundamental parameters, and Compton scatter correction ), WROXI, ProTrace, Omnian
X-ray Diffraction
X-ray Diffraction
X-ray powder diffraction is used to determine the inter-atomic spacings of powdered or polycrystalline materials. The data are used to evaluate the presence of crystalline phases, and uniquely identify crystalline materials based on their structure (arrangement of atoms).
Rigaku Miniflex II X-ray Powder Diffractometer
X-ray Tube: Toshiba A-20 450 watts (operating at 30kV and 15mA)
Goniometer: Vertical Goniometer , radius: 150mm, Scanning axis: θ/2. interlocked, Scanning range: -3° ~145°, Positioning speed: 500°/min(2θ) , Scanning speed: 0.01~100°/min.
Detector: Scintillator: NaI (T1) Sealed proportional counter, graphite monochromator
Sample Preparation Equipment
Sample Preparation Equipment
Our sample preparation laboratory has been carefully designed and contains special infrastructure for control of silicate dust. Dust control features include two downdraft hoods and three movable dust control arms.
Bico VD (chipmunk) jaw crusher
Sepor ceramic jaw crusher
Bico UA Disc Pulverizer with steel grinding plates
SPEX Mixer Mill Al-ceramic and Tungsten carbide grinding containers
SPEX Shatterbox Al-ceramic grinding container
Rocklabs bench top ring mill with tungsten carbide grinding container
Frantz isodynamic magnetic separator
Two Rotap sieve shakers and a large collection of brass and stainless steel sieves.
Katanax K1 electric fluxer
SPECAC 25 ton manual hydraulic press with 13mm, 32mm, and 40mm stainless steel and tungsten pellet dies
Rock saws (with blades ranging from 4" to 36" diameter)
Rock polishers
Analytical balances
For additional information regarding the Earth Science X-ray analysis laboratories capabilities and analytical costs, please contact Dr. Thomas Fleming (203-392-5837)
Google Sites
Report abuse