corners
Jackson School of Geosciences
Geology Department
Department of Geological SciencesBureau of Economic GeologyInstitute for Geophysics
Department of Geological Sciences
Microbeam Main Training CL WEB
Electron Microbeam Lab

Electron Microprobe (EPMA)

Contact: Kitty Milliken - Phone: 512-471-6082


Location
GEO 5.106a; telephone 471-4949

JEOL 8200

Overview
Electron microprobes, cousins, to SEMs, use a beam of accelerated electrons to “probe” specimens. Although outfitted with some of the same imaging capabilities as SEMs, the primary aim of the microprobe is quantitative elemental analysis of minerals. The microprobe can generate elemental analyses of 1 to 10 µm spots on a wide variety of minerals, by allowing comparisons of generated X-ray intensities between samples and standards. The integration of quantitative mineral analysis with qualitative information on crystal compositional heterogeneities is the great strength of microprobe analysis. The microprobe is applied to a wide range of problems in many areas of geology, whenever it is important to know the details of mineral compositions. Installed in 2002-2003, the JEOL 8200 has 5 wave-length dispersive spectrometers (two are "high-intensity"), an energy dispersive detector (EDS), and imaging in secondary andback-scattered electron modes.

Training

Samples
Probe samples must be polished (and good polish is one important key to good results) and coated with a standard thickness of evaporated carbon. Typical samples are standard thin sections of slightly greater than ordinary thickness. One-inch round sections (useful for grain mounts) and very thin (<3 mm) polished slabs can also be used.

pentagonite
About DGS Contacts Chairman's Welcome Directions & Map Academic Community Support & Opportunities Facilities Size & Scope Rankings Great Advances
About JSG Alumni News & Events JSG People JSG Research JSG Resources
 & Facilities
Undergrad Main Admissions Academics Careers Current Undergraduates Geoscience Courses GEO660: Field Geology Student Life Tutoring Program
Graduate Main Admissions & Support Academics Careers Current Grad Students Energy & Earth Resources Geoscience Courses Graduate Student Supervisors Student Life
Faculty & Research Main A-Z Faculty Directory Expertise Guide Graduate Curricular Programs Graduate Student Supervisors Research Programs & Centers Faculty Search Positions
Careers Main Career Services for Students For Recruiters Current Job Postings Funding Opportunities Recruiting Schedule List of Recruiters Placement Statistics Career Links
Resources & Facilities Computing Facilities Laboratory Contacts Geology Library Room Schedule Policies, Procedures, Forms Related UT Austin Units
DGS Faculty & Scientists DGS STAFF JSG Directory Dean’s Off/Foundation BEG Staff List UTIG People UT Directory