Facilities and Instrumentation

Custom-built Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer with Crushers

Custom built crushing apparatuses connected to a Pfeiffer residual gas analyzer (RGA), a stand-alone quadrupole MS with custom inlet and online crushers for analyzing mineral-hosted gases. Of particular interest are the gases trapped within fluid inclusions in surficial minerals, which capture pockets of air that reflect the composition of ancient atmospheres. This method allows for the bulk analysis of many fluid inclusions within a single sample. See Pettitt and Schaller (2020) for calibration of this instrument. 

Elemental Analyzer - Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer

Micromass Isoprime isotope ratio mass spectrometer coupled to an Elementar vario ISOTOPE Select elemental analyzer for the online analysis of C, N, H, and S isotopes from samples in continuous flow mode. The EA uses a thermal conductivity detector for obtaining the quantity of CO2 or N2 (or other species of interest) produced from a sample.

Dual Inlet - Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer

Isoprime 100 isotope ratio mass mpectrometer paired with a carbonate multiprep peripheral system for the analysis of δ13C and δ18O in carbonates and water samples. The instrument includes two 10-collector arrays allowing for the measurements of CO2 isotopologues and isotope ratios of the major species of air. This instrument is primarily used for the isotopic analysis of carbon and oxygen within various carbonates.

Microthermometry Stage

Instec HCS621GXY microthermometry stage with -190°C to 600°C range is used to gather data on the conditions of formation of fluid inclusions in various minerals. By looking at phase changes that occur as the mineral is cycled through high and low temperatures, we obtain information on the bulk fluid the mineral precipitated from. Using microthermometry, we measure the temperature and pressure of formation. Laser Raman Microscopy (available within the E&ES department) gives us the salinity and other information on the composition of the original fluid. 

Other Resources

Our sample preparation lab is equipped with all necessary sample processing equipment, including a vacuum line, Mettler PB303 analytical balance, Mettler-Toledo XP6 precision micro-balance, Foredom diamond micro-drill, a micro-mill of Schaller’s own design, several Zeiss and Olympus binocular microscopes, and a Leitz Ortholux Polarizing research microscope with high-resolution digital camera and imaging software. Epoxy mount preparation and polishing facilities are also available in shared departmental space.