Microprobe Lab

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The electron microprobe technique allows for nondestructive analyses of smallest parts of materials (in micrometer range) with high precision. Materials that can be analyzed are embedded and polished mineral grains (also gemstones), glass particles as well as rocks. Except for H, He, and Li all elements of the periodic table until including U can be detected and quantified. The detection limits are usually between 5 and 800 µg/g, depending on the comparability of the concentration of the element sought from the standard and sample, the intensity of the selected X-ray line, and thus also on the excitation voltage and the beam current as well as the counting time. Element distribution maps are recorded over a certain area of the sample or in a certain mineral either by scanning the electron beam over the sample or by moving the sample under the electron beam.

The Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences maintains two electron microprobes, a JEOL Hyperprobe JXA-8530F PLUS with a thermal field-emission cathode and a JEOL Superprobe JXA 8230 with a tungsten or LaB6 cathode.

The facility is available for GFZ employees as well as for external users / research groups. For sample preparation and user regulations please see here.

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Instrumentation

Laboratory instrumentation

Instrument

  • Electron Microprobe

    An electron microprobe is an electron microscope designed for the non-destructive x-ray microanalysis and imaging of solid materials. It is capable of high spatial resolution and relatively high analytical sensitivity. [Source: Caltech] (Source: Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2023. GCMD Keywords, Version 16.3. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects pision, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords)

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