Development of a Fourier-Transform Infrared Microscopy Laboratory for Research in Earth and Materials Sciences

该奖项将资助一台傅里叶变换红外(FTIR)光谱仪和一台红外显微镜，用于测量天然材料和在已知温度和压力条件下合成的材料中的挥发物。拟议中的收购将允许分析在受控压力和温度条件下产生的合成矿物和玻璃中的痕量水。实验系统将允许研究人员改变压力、温度和化学成分，以评估水在矿物和玻璃中的溶解度。FTIR系统将允许在通常无水的成分中直接测量水分，并将用于约束机制和改进天然材料的模型。这些测量对于理解在矿物形成过程中即使是少量的水被掺入时对物理性质的影响是基本的。将使用新的FTIR系统评估晶格内的晶体位置和特定吸收组分的空间取向。其他分析技术(带H+剖析的线性粒子加速器、拉曼微探头和超级计算设备)将有助于验证水的浓度和表征矿物分布。在受控实验中获得的测量和建模最终将用于解释和量化天然材料的FTIR光谱。该仪器将用于模拟没有实验室模拟就难以理解的过程(流体流动、地幔对流、水辅助变形、熔融、深成作用、火山作用和矿石沉积)。过去两年，私人投资计划资助了八名本科生的研究项目。学生在会议上和研究论文中陈述研究。这项收购将直接支持两名研究生的研究。PI将全面负责日常操作、维护、用户调度和培训。最近翻新的实验室已经有了充足的空间。***

0948987ThomasThis award will fund a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer and an IR microscope for measuring volatiles in natural materials and in materials synthesized in known temperature and pressure regimes. The proposed acquisition will allow analyzing trace amounts of water in synthesized minerals and glasses created under controlled pressure and temperature conditions. Experimental systems will allow the investigators to vary pressure, temperature and chemical composition in order to assess water solubility in minerals and glasses. The FTIR system will allow direct water measurement in normally anhydrous components and will be be used to constrain mechanisms and refine models for natural materials. The measurements are fundamental to understanding effects on physical properties occurring when even small amounts of water become incorporated during mineral formation. Crystallographic siting and specific absorbing component spatial orientation within the crystal lattice will be assessed using the new FTIR system. Other analytical techniques (linear particle accelerator with H+ profiling, a Raman microprobe, and supercomputing facility) will help validate water concentrations and characterize mineral distribution. Measurements and modeling obtained in controlled experiments will ultimately be used to interpret and quantify FTIR spectra from natural materials. The instrument will be used to model processes which are difficult to understand without laboratory simulations (fluid flow, mantle convection, water-assisted deformation, melting, plutonism, volcanism, and ore deposition). The PIs have supported research projects for eight undergraduates over the past two years. Students present research at meetings and in research papers. Two graduate students will be directly supported in their research with this acquisition. The PI will assume overall responsibility for daily operation, maintenance, user scheduling, and training. Ample space is already available in recently-renovated laboratory. ***