Acquisition of Optical Spectrometer for Study of Quartz Cathodoluminescence

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This award provides one-half the funds required to purchase a cathodoluminescence (CL) spectrometer system that will be housed and operated in the Department of Geology at St. Lawrence University. The University is committed to providing the remaining funds. The cathodoluminescent properties of minerals (the ability to emit visible light when bombarded with electrons) depends on a variety of factors such a crystalline defects and chemical impurities. For the mineral quartz, it is found that its CL spectra can be used to fingerprint quartz grains from different source rocks. Hence, the CL spectra of quartz grains in sedimentary rocks holds promise as a tool for reconstructing the provenance of sediments in ancient sedimentary basins. The equipment purchased with this award will be used by the PI to further investigate the applicability of CL in such studies.