Upgrade of X-ray Fluorescence Facility

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9614725 Leeman This grant provides $48,871 as partial support of the costs of upgrading the X-ray fluorescence spectrometer in the Geology and Geophysics Department at William Marsh Rice University. Specifically, the upgrade would include installation of a PC control system and associated software to replace the DEC PDP-11 system currently installed on their Rigaku XRF and two months salary for their current XRF technician who would train new users of the upgraded XRF. This upgrade would also include installation of a multi-layered crystal for analysis of light elements (i.e. B, F). Upgrade of the computer system will ensure the availability of a critical piece of analytical instrumentation for the analysis of major and trace elements in whole rock samples for studies in igneous and metamorphic petrology for Rice University and a host of other researchers in the Houston area. The enhanced capabilities to conduct analyses for light element concentrations (i.e Boron) within whole rock samples will immediately be utilized for research on fluid mobility during metamorphism. Continued petrologic studies of magmatic processes in a host of environments including volcanic island arcs, hot spots, intracontinental extensional regimes and metamorphic terranes will also take advantage of this upgrade. ***