Acquisition of an Advanced Optical Microscopy Laboratory for Computer Integrated Analysis of Fault Rock Fabrics and Fractures

0824980肖本提案寻求获得显微镜和样品制备设备的资金，以便在蒙大拿州立大学建立天然材料岩石微结构实验室。该设施的总体目标是成像和分析晶体择优取向（CPO）织物和微观结构。该设施将包括利用计算机集成偏振（CIP）显微镜进行光学取向分析和利用落射荧光显微镜进行断裂微观结构分析的能力。所需的是配备CIP的具有荧光和数字成像能力的Olympus BX 51内窥镜和配备偏振附件的Olympus SZX-16内窥镜。对于数字成像，需要一个带数字化显示器的工作站。样品制备需要精密锯、研磨机/抛光机和配件。该仪器将用于正在进行的NSF EAR资助的研究地震破裂前和破裂后的塑性变形在下部和中部大陆地壳。石英晶体学取向将沿着与裂缝密度和粒度分布进行分析，以更好地了解中地壳和深部地震断层的变形机制和古应力条件。将分析石英脉和含假玄武玻璃岩的样品，以了解变形机制。CIP和电子背散射衍射（EBSD）将被用来映射取向，这反过来将与估计变形过程中的应变场。相关项目将通过确定烧结颗粒雪边界的首选方向，化石骨骼中的磷灰石方向作为压力适应和生活方式的代理，以及化石恐龙和鸟蛋中方解石晶体的方向来分析积雪流变学，以更好地了解鸟类繁殖的进化。该仪器将被纳入现有的实验室空间在两个建筑物之一。准备设备将并入现有岩石准备室。假设维护成本最低，供应估计每年仅为1，250美元。消耗性用品将计入适用的研究赠款。将向用户收取象征性费用，以支付预计的计算机和软件维修费用。MNM实验室将补充MSU已有的仪器。所要求的EBSD样品制备设备将允许更高的样品吞吐量，并减少在另一个部门制备样品的需要。跨学科和跨部门的合作将有可能通过新的设施。由于所需设备的强大性质，学生将获得实践经验和教育。由于这一设施的独特性质，传播的结果将引起广泛的兴趣。***

0824980Shaw This proposal seeks funding to acquire a microscopy and sample preparation equipment in order to create a Rock Microstructure of Natural Materials Laboratory at Montana State University. The overall goal of the facility is to image and analyze crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) fabrics and microstructures. The facility will comprise capabilities for optical orientation analysis with Computer Integrated Polarization (CIP) microscopy and fracture microstructural analysis using epifluorescence microscopy. Requested are an Olympus BX51 scope with fluorescence and digital imaging capabilities fitted with CIP and an Olympus SZX-16 scope with polarization accessories. For digital imaging, a workstation with digitizing monitor is requested. For sample preparation, a precision saw, grinder/polisher and accessories are requested. The instrumentation will be employed for on-going NSF EAR-funded research on seismic rupture pre- and post-rupture plastic deformation in the lower and middle continental crust. Quartz crystallographic orientation will be assayed along with fracture density and grain size distributions to better understand deformation mechanisms and paleostress conditions from middle and deep crust seismic faults. Quartz vein and pseudotachylyte-bearing samples will be analyzed to understand deformation mechanisms. CIP and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) will be used to map orientation and this in turn will be related to estimate the strain field during deformation. Associated projects will have the instrumentation applied to analyzing snowpack rheology by determining preferred orientation at sintered grain snow boundaries, apatite orientation in fossil bones as a proxy for stress adaptation and lifestyle, and the orientation of calcite crystals in fossil dinosaur and bird eggs to better understand the evolution of avian reproduction. The instrumentation will be incorporated into existing laboratory space in one of two buildings. The preparation equipment will be incorporated into an existing rock preparation room. Maintenance costs are assumed to be minimal with supply estimates at only ~$1,250 per year. Expendable supplies will be charged to applicable research grants. A nominal fee will be charged to users in anticipation of computer and software maintenance costs. The MNM lab will compliment instrumentation already available at MSU. The requested EBSD sample preparation equipment will allow higher sample throughput and alleviate the need to prepare samples in another department. Interdisciplinary and inter-departmental collaboration will be possible through the new facility. Due to the robust nature of the requested equipment, students will gain hands-on experience and education. Due to the unique nature of this facility, disseminated results will be of broad interest. ***