Mineral Microscopy and Spectroscopy (Raman) Lab (M2SL)

Department

Geosciences

Address

4505 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT, 84322

Contact

The M²SL is designed for mineral and rock textural and geochemical characterization, as well as preparation for other complementary analytical techniques. This lab is equipped with two Leica M165C stereoscopes. One scope has live imaging and aliquot measurement capabilities via an attached Leica MC170HD camera interfaced with Leica Application Suite software. Petrographic scopes include two Leica DM2700P – one with fluorescent light capabilities, a Leica Z16 APO macroscope, and two Leica cameras with Leica software that interface for live imaging and photomicrographs. This lab houses prep space, including epoxy mount-making capabilities for samples analyzed in the USU Microscopy Core Facility (MCF) Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) laboratory.

The Department of Geosciences Raman spectrometer – a LabRAM HR Evolution manufactured by Horiba Instruments – analyzes the chemistry of rocks, fluids, and fluids trapped in rocks down to the micron scale. Different wavelength lasers excite molecules in the material that produce electromagnetic radiation diagnostic of the composition (mineralogy) and structural integrity (amorphous vs. crystalline). This microRaman has a true confocal aperture, automated grating, a state-of-the-art CCD for spectrograph acquisition, and sample mapping systems that allow for rapid and automated data acquisition. The LabRAM is installed on a TMC optical and anti-vibrational (pneumatic) table, ensuring high quality data. Contact lab PI, Dr. Alexis Ault, for more information.