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Our electron microprobe has the following specifications and capabilities:
The JXA-8900 SuperProbe is a high resolution SEM and a WD/ED Combined Electron Probe Microanalyzer (EPMA). The combination of up to 5 wavelength dispersive X-ray spectrometers (WDS) and an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) assures the most efficient and accurate analysis. Computer input analyzes data from the two types of X-ray spectrometers and presents the data as a unified analysis. The WD/ED combined system can simultaneously analyze up to 13 elements (5 WDS, 8 EDS). The backscattered electron image, provided by a highly sensitive solid state detector, and the secondary electron image, brings the total obtainable signals to 15. The WD/ED combined microanalyzer provides for:
General information about electron microprobe analysis can be found here.
Sample Preparation
The Electron Microprobe Laboratory is equipped with a JEOL JEE-420 Vacuum Evaporator that can be used to coat specimens with a thin carbon layer prior to analysis. The Department of Earth Sciences also houses the "Rock Room," which includes diamond rock saws, polishing wheels with an automatic polisher, a coring drill, thin-section preparation equipment and supplies, and an ultrasonic cleaner.
Visible-Light Microscopy
Ziess Axioplan petrographic microscope, outfitted for polarizing microscopy in both transmitted and reflected light; it is also equipped with video capture abilities in order to acquire digital images of a specimen.
Computer Resources
Off-line UNIX microprobe workstation; Mac (relevant software includes Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, NIH Image, Microsoft Office, FileMaker mineral and standard databases, and graphing applications); PC (relevant software includes Soft Imaging's analSYS, Small World's Electron Flight Simulator, Oxford Guide to Microanalysis, Adobe Photoshop, and Scion Image).
Associated Laboratories
The Electron Microprobe Laboratory is closely associated with the department's X-ray Mineralogy Laboratory, which houses a Rigaku MiniFlex X-ray diffractometer. Our laboratory also has ties to another Institute of Technology lab, the Characterization Facility, which has instruments for X-ray scattering, proximal probe analysis, ion beam analysis, optical characterization, electron microscopy and spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and neutral scattering. The Department of Earth Sciences also has a wide variety of analytical instruments, including various mass spectrometers, gas and ion chromotography, and various magnetometers.
probelab@umn.edu
Phone: 612-624-7370
With respect to geoscience research, our electron microprobe is often used for igneous, metamorphic, and experimental petrology as well as mineral studies and geochronology. In addition to rocks and minerals, we have conducted analyses of metals and alloys, thin films, ceramics and composites, glass, optical fibers, teeth and bones, and many other natural and artificial materials.
We have experience analyzing various materials for industrial purposes, including:
Our clients have come from numerous industries and research fields, including: