The X-ray Microanalysis Laboratory (LAREM) mainly deals with the application and development of methods of scanning electron microscopy, electron microanalysis and structural analysis in geoscience. The laboratory specialists mostly collaborate directly and actively with the researchers and participants of partial research projects using the lab equipment and analytical methods. The obtained data and results are usually included in corresponding publication outputs.
The laboratory provides services mainly to internal staff members, but smaller contracts may also be arranged for individuals as well as the cooperation with science and education departments.
Range of Services
- SEI, BEI, CL imaging
- Elemental mapping
- EBSD
- EDS and WDS microanalysis
Equipment
- The Tescan Mira3 GMU FEG-SEM high resolution scanning electron microscope is equipped with a pair of Ultim Max 100 energy-dispersive spectrometers (EDS), a Wave wavelength-dispersive spectrometer (WDS), and a Symmetry EBSD system (Oxford Instruments). The microscope enables the study of sample images in secondary (SE) and backscattered electrons (BSE) and cathodoluminescence (CL), as well as in low-vacuum mode (7–150 Pa). It is used to study the surface characteristics of samples and their chemical composition.
- EDS and WDS microanalytical systems – an electron microscope in conjunction with microanalytical systems is used for detailed microchemical study, with the minimum detection limit for given elements ranging from 0.0X wt. %. Both systems can be used simultaneously. The non-destructive analysis method is advantageous for the study of extremely small samples (microfossils, meteorites, rare mineral phases, microstructural inter-mineral relationships) as well as for the study of the chemical and structural properties of minerals, rocks and geomaterials.
