Three-dimensional imaging of fission tracks using confocal scanning laser microscopy

Journal Article · · American Mineralogist; (United States)

OSTI ID:6951585

Petford, N; Miller, J A ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Cambridge (United Kingdom)

Confocal scanning laser microscopy (SLM) is a relatively new technique designed to generate detailed three-dimensional images of the interiors of solid materials by probing them with laser light. Although used routinely in the life sciences, SLM appears to have escaped the attention of the mineralogical community. The method offers a nondestructive means of examining in detail the internal three-dimensional geometry and structure of crystalline defects at resolutions of less than 0.5 {mu}m. This paper reports the results of a study using confocal SLM to record and measure the three-dimensional orientation of selected fission tracks in apatite grains from the Fish Canyon Tuff. The authors show how individual SLM images can be electronically enhanced using image analysis software and then combined into three-dimensional stacks, where the true fission-track length and orientation can be accurately measured. Three-dimensional measurement of inclined fission tracks is not possible in transmitted light, the principal medium used in state-of-the-art fission track analysis systems. Confocal SLM provides one way of overcoming some of the limitations inherent in these systems and may ultimately lead to an improved computer-aided track-counting and -measuring system.

• OSTI ID: 6951585
• Journal Information: American Mineralogist; (United States), Journal Name: American Mineralogist; (United States) Vol. 77:5-6; ISSN AMMIA; ISSN 0003-004X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

58 GEOSCIENCES
580000* -- Geosciences
APATITES
CRYSTAL DEFECTS
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE
FISSION TRACKS
IMAGE PROCESSING
MICROSCOPY
MINERALS
PARTICLE TRACKS
PHOSPHATE MINERALS
PROCESSING
SCANNING LIGHT MICROSCOPY
STRUCTURAL CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
THREE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS