Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

We are requesting funding for the replacement of the ailing energy-dispersion X-ray spectrometer (EDS) and obsolete workstation/operating system on a Philips XL30 scanning electron microscope (SEM).  Our SEM is an essential component of  the Electron Microbeam/X-Ray Diffraction Facility (EMXDF) at Earth & Ocean Sciences, UBC, which also houses a Cameca SX50 electron-probe microanalyzer and a Siemens D5000 powder X-ray diffractometer. The three laboratories are integrated in their function to provide a comprehensive analytical facility for the characterization of minerals and materials not only at UBC but also the surrounding community. A SEM/EDS system uses a beam of electrons to generate various signals from a specimen (e.g., secondary electrons, backscattered electrons, characteristic X-rays, cathodoluminescence) to acquire images of materials at high magnifications, to do spot and area-based chemical analyses allowing identification of unknown phases in polished sections or in hand specimens, and to map their distribution.  In addition to qualitative and semi-quantitative EDS analysis of minerals and materials, these signals can also be used do digital image analysis (e.g. automatic size and shape of particles, chemical classification, relative area analysis).  The following research projects will benefit substantially from renewing and improving the capablities of our SEM: coal-bed methane studies, prediction of environmental impacts of mining activities such as acid-rock drainage, the characterization of novel alloys and ceramics, studies of Canadian gem materials, granitic pegmatites, borosilicate minerals, dating of rocks, the study of silicate weathering and CO2 sequestration in mine tailings, mapping textures and grain shapes that relate to flow and fragmentation of pyroclastic rocks, and characterizing hydrothermal mineral deposits. This upgrade will allow our research groups to continue efficient and cost effective mineralogical analyses and improve the quality of our services to the minerals and materials industries in Canada.