Reducing Supervision of Quantitative Image Analysis of Meteorite Samples

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-75
Author(s):  
Ellen J. Crapster-Pregont ◽  
Denton S. Ebel

AbstractWhen selecting a method for determining modal mineralogy and elemental composition of geological samples (e.g., meteorites), a number of factors should be considered, includingthe number of objects or the area to be analyzed; the scale of expected chemical variation; instrument time restrictions; and post-processing time. This study presents a method that minimizes acquisition time while maintaining the ability to distinguish minerals based on combinations of intensities of electron probe micro-analyzer-generated X-ray element maps. While some other methods yield similar outcomes, this method's post-processing utilizes standard parameterized, X-ray intensity “map math” in an algorithm that is adaptable and requires minimal supervision once implemented. This study's minimized supervision in the post-processing of X-ray intensity maps decreases analysis time and its adaptability increases the number of potential applications. The method also facilitates calibration of the exact locations of analysis using laser ablation methods. While the method described here has advantages, the choice of method always depends on the question being asked.

Author(s):  
Auclair Gilles ◽  
Benoit Danièle

During these last 10 years, high performance correction procedures have been developed for classical EPMA, and it is nowadays possible to obtain accurate quantitative analysis even for soft X-ray radiations. It is also possible to perform EPMA by adapting this accurate quantitative procedures to unusual applications such as the measurement of the segregation on wide areas in as-cast and sheet steel products.The main objection for analysis of segregation in steel by means of a line-scan mode is that it requires a very heavy sampling plan to make sure that the most significant points are analyzed. Moreover only local chemical information is obtained whereas mechanical properties are also dependant on the volume fraction and the spatial distribution of highly segregated zones. For these reasons we have chosen to systematically acquire X-ray calibrated mappings which give pictures similar to optical micrographs. Although mapping requires lengthy acquisition time there is a corresponding increase in the information given by image anlysis.


Author(s):  
J. M. Paque ◽  
R. Browning ◽  
P. L. King ◽  
P. Pianetta

Geological samples typically contain many minerals (phases) with multiple element compositions. A complete analytical description should give the number of phases present, the volume occupied by each phase in the bulk sample, the average and range of composition of each phase, and the bulk composition of the sample. A practical approach to providing such a complete description is from quantitative analysis of multi-elemental x-ray images.With the advances in recent years in the speed and storage capabilities of laboratory computers, large quantities of data can be efficiently manipulated. Commercial software and hardware presently available allow simultaneous collection of multiple x-ray images from a sample (up to 16 for the Kevex Delta system). Thus, high resolution x-ray images of the majority of the detectable elements in a sample can be collected. The use of statistical techniques, including principal component analysis (PCA), can provide insight into mineral phase composition and the distribution of minerals within a sample.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 37
Author(s):  
Hernán Martinelli ◽  
Claudia Domínguez ◽  
Marcos Fernández Leyes ◽  
Sergio Moya ◽  
Hernán Ritacco

In the search for responsive complexes with potential applications in the formulation of smart dispersed systems such as foams, we hypothesized that a pH-responsive system could be formulated with polyacrylic acid (PAA) mixed with a cationic surfactant, Gemini 12-2-12 (G12). We studied PAA-G12 complexes at liquid–air interfaces by equilibrium and dynamic surface tension, surface rheology, and X-ray reflectometry (XRR). We found that complexes adsorb at the interfaces synergistically, lowering the equilibrium surface tension at surfactant concentrations well below the critical micelle concentration (cmc) of the surfactant. We studied the stability of foams formulated with the complexes as a function of pH. The foams respond reversibly to pH changes: at pH 3.5, they are very stable; at pH > 6, the complexes do not form foams at all. The data presented here demonstrate that foam formation and its pH responsiveness are due to interfacial dynamics.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amara Khan ◽  
Andrea Markus ◽  
Thomas Rittmann ◽  
Jonas Albers ◽  
Frauke Alves ◽  
...  

AbstractX-ray based lung function (XLF) as a planar method uses dramatically less X-ray dose than computed tomography (CT) but so far lacked the ability to relate its parameters to pulmonary air volume. The purpose of this study was to calibrate the functional constituents of XLF that are biomedically decipherable and directly comparable to that of micro-CT and whole-body plethysmography (WBP). Here, we developed a unique set-up for simultaneous assessment of lung function and volume using XLF, micro-CT and WBP on healthy mice. Our results reveal a strong correlation of lung volumes obtained from radiographic XLF and micro-CT and demonstrate that XLF is superior to WBP in sensitivity and precision to assess lung volumes. Importantly, XLF measurement uses only a fraction of the radiation dose and acquisition time required for CT. Therefore, the redefined XLF approach is a promising tool for preclinical longitudinal studies with a substantial potential of clinical translation.


Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 10
Author(s):  
Daria V. Mamonova ◽  
Anna A. Vasileva ◽  
Yuri V. Petrov ◽  
Denis V. Danilov ◽  
Ilya E. Kolesnikov ◽  
...  

Surfaces functionalized with metal nanoparticles (NPs) are of great interest due to their wide potential applications in sensing, biomedicine, nanophotonics, etc. However, the precisely controllable decoration with plasmonic nanoparticles requires sophisticated techniques that are often multistep and complex. Here, we present a laser-induced deposition (LID) approach allowing for single-step surface decoration with NPs of controllable composition, morphology, and spatial distribution. The formation of Ag, Pt, and mixed Ag-Pt nanoparticles on a substrate surface was successfully demonstrated as a result of the LID process from commercially available precursors. The deposited nanoparticles were characterized with SEM, TEM, EDX, X-ray diffraction, and UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy, which confirmed the formation of crystalline nanoparticles of Pt (3–5 nm) and Ag (ca. 100 nm) with plasmonic properties. The advantageous features of the LID process allow us to demonstrate the spatially selective deposition of plasmonic NPs in a laser interference pattern, and thereby, the formation of periodic arrays of Ag NPs forming diffraction grating


Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Pellacani ◽  
Carlo Morasso ◽  
Silvia Picciolini ◽  
Dario Gallach ◽  
Lucia Fornasari ◽  
...  

Sequential plasma processes combined with specific lithographic methods allow for the fabrication of advanced material structures. In the present work, we used self-assembled colloidal monolayers as lithographic structures for the conformation of ordered Si submicrometer pillars by reactive ion etching. We explored different discharge conditions to optimize the Si pillar geometry. Selected structures were further decorated with gold by conventional sputtering, prior to colloidal monolayer lift-off. The resulting structures consist of a gold crown, that is, a cylindrical coating on the edge of the Si pillar and a cavity on top. We analysed the Au structures in terms of electronic properties by using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) prior to and after post-processing with thermal annealing at 300 °C and/or interaction with a gold etchant solution (KI). The angular dependent analysis of the plasmonic properties was studied with Fourier transformed UV-vis measurements. Certain conditions were selected to perform a surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) evaluation of these platforms with two model dyes, prior to confirming the potential interest for a well-resolved analysis of filtered blood plasma.


2014 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 1882-1888 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Hilhorst ◽  
F. Marschall ◽  
T. N. Tran Thi ◽  
A. Last ◽  
T. U. Schülli

Diffraction imaging is the science of imaging samples under diffraction conditions. Diffraction imaging techniques are well established in visible light and electron microscopy, and have also been widely employed in X-ray science in the form of X-ray topography. Over the past two decades, interest in X-ray diffraction imaging has taken flight and resulted in a wide variety of methods. This article discusses a new full-field imaging method, which uses polymer compound refractive lenses as a microscope objective to capture a diffracted X-ray beam coming from a large illuminated area on a sample. This produces an image of the diffracting parts of the sample on a camera. It is shown that this technique has added value in the field, owing to its high imaging speed, while being competitive in resolution and level of detail of obtained information. Using a model sample, it is shown that lattice tilts and strain in single crystals can be resolved simultaneously down to 10−3° and Δa/a= 10−5, respectively, with submicrometre resolution over an area of 100 × 100 µm and a total image acquisition time of less than 60 s.


1999 ◽  
Vol 604 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosa E. Meléndez ◽  
Andrew J. Carn ◽  
Kazuki Sada ◽  
Andrew D. Hamilton

AbstractThe use of organic molecules as gelators in certain organic solvents has been the target of recent research in materials science. The types of structures formed in the gel matrix have potential applications as porous solids that can be used as absorbents or in catalysis. We will present and discuss the organogelation properties of a family of bis-ureas. Studies presented will include a molecule structure activity relationship, thermodynamic properties, comparison to x-ray crystallographic data and potential functionalization of the gels formed by this class of compounds


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Ye ◽  
Da Yin ◽  
Bin Wang ◽  
Qingwen Zhang

We report the synthesis of three-dimensional Fe3O4/graphene aerogels (GAs) and their application for the removal of arsenic (As) ions from water. The morphology and properties of Fe3O4/GAs have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and superconducting quantum inference device. The 3D nanostructure shows that iron oxide nanoparticles are decorated on graphene with an interconnected network structure. It is found that Fe3O4/GAs own a capacity of As(V) ions adsorption up to 40.048 mg/g due to their remarkable 3D structure and existence of magnetic Fe3O4nanoparticles for separation. The adsorption isotherm matches well with the Langmuir model and kinetic analysis suggests that the adsorption process is pseudo-second-ordered. In addition to the excellent adsorption capability, Fe3O4/GAs can be easily and effectively separated from water, indicating potential applications in water treatment.


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