Analytical Labs
Mineral Microscopy and Spectroscopy (Raman) Lab (M2SL)
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 on a Dell Desktop. 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 with separate Dell computers 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 continues to grow its analytical capabilities with the addition of a state-of-the-art Raman spectrometer. The 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 can excite molecules in the material that produce electromagnetic radiation that is diagnostic of the composition (mineralogy) and structural integrity (amorphous vs. crystalline). This microRaman is equipped with three wavelength lasers (532, 633, and 785 nm), a true confocal aperture, automated grating, a state-of-the-art CCD to permit optimum spectrograph acquisition, and DuoScan 2D fast/micro mapping and SWIFT continuous large-scale sample mapping allow for rapid and automated data acquisition. The LabRAM is installed on a TMC optical and anti-vibrational (pneumatic) table, ensuring high quality data.
USU Luminescence Lab
The Luminescence Geochronology Laboratory is unique in the state of Utah and is one of only six in the western US. The Luminescence Lab is equipped with two automated TL/OSL dating systems (Risø TL/OSL-DA-20A/B), the latest generation luminescence reader, with a laser-driven single-grain attachment that allows for the dating of individual sand grains. The lab has all the facilities needed for OSL analysis including a dedicated sample preparation lab under constant amber safe-light conditions, which includes a HF-certified fume hood, centrifuge, drying oven, de-ionized water system, full set of sieves, and the required acids and heavy liquids for sample processing. The Luminescence lab is also equipped with a field portable gamma spectrometer for in-situ dose-rate measurements and an AMS hand auger system for core sample collection. The Luminescence Laboratory is directed by Geology Professor Tammy Rittenour.
Optically Stimulated Luminesence
Stable-Isotope Lab
Light stable isotopes are analyzed via two instruments – a ThermoFisher Scientific Delta V Advantage Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer (IRMS) with a Gasbench II Interface and Costech 4010 Elemental Analyzer and a Picarro G110-I Cavity Ring-Down Spectrometer with AutoMate Sampler. The former is for research-grade analyses of stable isotopes of C, H, O and N. The Picarro is configured for stable carbon isotope analyses and is capable of real-time analyses of carbon isotopes in the laboratory or field. For more information, please contact the Dennis Newell Stable Isotope Laboratory.
ICP-MS Lab
The Agilent 8900 Triple-Quadrupole ICP-MS is an instrument that can analyze elemental abundances and ratios, and some isotope systems at extremely high precision and low detection limits. Samples are introduced either dissolved in acidic solutions or via a laser ablation system. The 8900's QQQ tandem mass spectrometer architecture uses two sequential quadrupole mass analyzers with a collision/reaction cell in between. This ground-breaking technology allows unprecedented avoidance of tricky isobaric and polyatomic interferences by reacting either analytes or interfering ions with reactive gases (e.g. hydrogen, oxygen). The 8900 is mostly used to measure trace elements in microfossils (e.g. foraminifera) and whole-rock digests.
X-ray Lab
The X-Ray Analysis Laboratory is equipped with a Panalytical PW2400 XRF Spectrometer with 60 KV Rh tube, 3.0 KW power rating, 3 detectors, and complete sample preparation facilities for major and trace element analyses, as well as software for data reduction and a range of USGS and international rock standards. The lab also includes a Panalytical X’Pert Pro X-ray Diffraction Spectrometer with monochromatic Cu K-alpha radiation, using the High Score software program to index peaks and identify minerals.