Department Support Labs
Electron Microprobe Laboratory
The microprobe is a JEOL 733 Superprobe. This instrument combines four wavelength dispersive spectrometers (WDS) and one energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) with scanning electron microscope (SEM) capabilities to create an extremely powerful, yet easily accessible, micro-analytical instrument. The WDS system has diffracting crystals capable of producing quantitative analyses of the elements boron (Z=5) through uranium (Z=92). We also have an extensive and well characterized collection of mineral and glass standards. We use the GELLER dQant-dPict automation and imaging programs and also have a GATAN digital imaging system. Both imaging systems can be used to acquire and digitize backscattered (BSE) and secondary electron (SE) images and elemental x-ray maps. The dPict imaging system is integrated with the microprobe stage motors and can very easily produce large area (very low magnification) mosaic images of entire thin sections (BSE, SE or x-ray). For more information, contact Scott Kuehner, Electron Microprobe Laboratory Manager (kuehner @ u.washington.edu). See the lab webpage.
Mineral Prep Laboratory
For more information, please contact John Stone.
Research Microscopy Laboratory
The research microscopy lab provides University of Washington graduate students and faculty with state-of-the-art optical microscopes to look at rock slabs, thin sections and grain mounts. The laboratory has 12 stereomicroscopes, and 6 polarizing petrographic microscopes (including one mounted with a digital camera) that can be used to look and describe small objects (from a few centimeters to a few microns). Research endeavors taking place in this lab are as broad as the department is, including projects in micropaleontology, igneous and metamorphic petrology, structural geology, geomorphology, glacial geology and geobiology.
Rock Prep Laboratory
For more information, please contact Dave McDougall.
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