Automated Stage for Fission-Track Dating

9351384 Garver一个自动化的阶段系统裂变跟踪约会正在使用的本科生。 裂变径迹测年法包括确定随时间推移在锆石或磷灰石晶体中自然产生的化石径迹的密度。 此外，人们还需要确定晶体中铀的含量，因为径迹密度与年龄和铀浓度成正比。 这是通过在样品上放置云母片并照射样品以产生自发径迹来实现的;云母片上自发径迹的密度与铀浓度成正比。 自动载物台可快速精确地移动显微镜载物台，绝对精度可达10 m。 鉴于这种相当大的时间节省和易用性，我们正在引入裂变径迹测年到我们的地球化学类与项目中，学生日期准备样品和解释其意义。 此外，该系统被广泛用于我们的高级论文计划。 *y

9351384 Garver An automated stage system for fission-track dating is being used by undergraduate students. Fission-track dating involves determining the density of fossil tracks that have occurred naturally over time in either zircon or apatite crystals. Additionally, however, one needs to determine the amount of uranium in the crystal because track density is proportional to age and uranium concentration. This is accomplished by placing a mica flake over the sample and irradiating the sample to produce spontaneous tracks; the density of spontaneous tracks on the mica flake is proportional to the uranium concentration. The automated stage quickly and precisely moves the microscope stage with an absolute accuracy of 10 m. Given this considerable time savings and ease of use, we are introducing fission-track dating into our Geochemistry classes with projects in which students date prepared samples and interpret their significance. Additionally, the system is being used extensively in our senior thesis program. ***y