Automated Stage for Fission-Track Dating

9351384 GARVER是一种用于裂变径迹测年的自动化Stage系统，目前正在被本科生使用。裂变径迹测年涉及确定随着时间的推移在锆石或磷灰石晶体中自然出现的化石径迹的密度。然而，另外，由于径迹密度与年龄和铀浓度成正比，因此需要确定晶体中的铀含量。这是通过将云母片放在样品上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。自动化工作台以10米的绝对精度快速而精确地移动显微镜工作台。考虑到这一巨大的时间节约和易用性，我们将裂变径迹测年引入我们的地球化学课，学生们在项目中对准备好的样品进行测年并解释其意义。此外，该系统在我们的高级论文项目中得到了广泛的应用。*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