Using X-Rays

Analytical x-ray facility

We now have

• an Avaatech X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) core-scanner (http://www.avaatech.com/) and
• a GeoTek MSCL-XR x-ray imaging machine (http://www.geotek.co.uk/) *Currently not functioning; pending funding to upgrade.

The Avaatech XRF performs non-destructive analysis of elements Al through Ba. The samples we measure with the XRF range from split cores (both marine and lacustrine), slabbed cores, U-channel samples, tree cores, coral slabs, rock slabs and discrete samples. Samples can be scanned at a resolution of 0.1mm to 10mm, so even the finest laminations in sediment cores can be accounted for individually. The XRF also has a Line Scan camera that generates very high definition images of samples. Color data, in the form of RGB and CIE, can also be pulled from these images for use in analyses, such as changes in lithology or deposition type. In the XRF, the sample stays stationary, while the x-ray source and detector and Line Scan camera pass over the sample during scanning and imaging, respectively. They XRF is in high demand by researchers across the UC system, as well as far outside of UC. Scientists at the USGS, CICESE in Ensenada, Mexico, and other institutions and universities outside of CA are interested in using the XRF for analysis of their samples.

To find more information about using our instruments and what the associated costs are, contact:

Alex Hangsterfer, Collections Manager.
Email: ahangsterfer@ucsd.edu