Synchrotron Microanalytical Methods in the Study of Trace and Minor Elements in Apatite
Synchrotron X-ray facilities have the capability for numerous microanalytical methods with spatial resolutions in the micron to submicron range and sensitivities as low as ppm to ppb. These capabilities are the result of a high X-ray brilliance (many orders of magnitude greater than standard tube and rotating anode sources); a continuous, or white, spectrum through the hard X-ray region; high degrees of X-ray columniation and polarization; and new developments in X-ray focusing methods. The high photon flux and pulsed nature of the source also allow for rapid data collection and high temporal resolution in certain experiments. Of particular interest to geoscientists are X-ray fluorescence microprobes which allow for numerous analytical techniques including X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis of trace element concentrations and distributions; X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) for chemical speciation, structural and oxidation state information; X-ray diffraction (XRD) for phase identification; and fluorescence microtomography (CMT) for mapping the internal structure of porous or composite materials as well as elemental distributions. We have employed several synchrotron based microanalytical methods including XRF, microEXAFS (Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure), microXANES (X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure) and CMT for the study of minor and trace elements in apatite (and other minerals). We have also been conducting time resolved X-ray diffraction to study nucleation of and phase transformations among precursor phases in the formation of apatite from solution at earth surface conditions. Summaries of these studies are given to exemplify the capabilities of synchrotron microanalytical techniques.
- Research Organization:
- Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) National Synchrotron Light Source
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Doe - Office Of Science
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-98CH10886
- OSTI ID:
- 960189
- Report Number(s):
- BNL--83175-2009-JA
- Journal Information:
- Mineralogia Polonica, Journal Name: Mineralogia Polonica Journal Issue: 39815 Vol. 39; ISSN 1899-8526; ISSN 0032-6267
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS
ABSORPTION
ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY
ANODES
APATITES
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
ELEMENTS
FLUORESCENCE
FOCUSING
NUCLEATION
PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS
PHOTONS
POLARIZATION
PRECURSOR
RESOLUTION
SPATIAL RESOLUTION
SYNCHROTRONS
TRACE AMOUNTS
VALENCE
X-RAY DIFFRACTION
national synchrotron light source