The strong interaction of MeV energy ions with matter provide sensitive, non-destructive probes of major and trace element concentration and lattice residence. The Nuclear Microprobe (NMP) focuses these ions into spots of 1-2 µm in diameter to provide: A powerful tool for quantitative analysis and trace element imaging.
	Site Map and Summary: - Navigation map and executive summary. Advanced Features of NMP Analysis at the CSIRO: - The high performance of the new CSIRO-GEMOC NMP has particular advantages for high resolution, high sensitivity analysis of geological samples, due to its unique lens configuration, quantitative analysis methods and high efficiency detector systems. Fluid Inclusion Analysis: - The penetrating, non-destructive nature of MeV proton beams makes the NMP ideally suited to in situ analysis of individual fluid inclusions in minerals. Techniques developed at the CSIRO enable the determination of the composition of the original trapped fluid, and the imaging of inclusion content. Quantitative Trace Element Imaging: - A powerful algorithm called Dynamic Analysis, developed at the CSIRO for unmixing elemental signatures in proton induced X-ray spectra (PIXE) and synchrotron X-ray fluorescence (SXRF) in real-time, provides a tool for rapid quantitative imaging of trace and major element spatial distribution in minerals. The new NMP Instrument: - The new CSIRO-GEMOC Nuclear Microprobe features a number of technical advances, including a unique high performance lens system, and was designed at the CSIRO and developed in collaboration with the GEMOC key-centre, Macquarie University, and the MARC group, University of Melbourne. The New GeoPIXE II ™ Software: - A new GeoPIXE II ™ software package has been released for quantitative PIXE and SXRF image projection and analysis using the Dynamic Analysis method. It provides sorting of list-mode data, projection of quantitative images, extraction of concentration averages and line projections from arbitrary regions, correction for various spatial matrix effects, and export and reporting options. Collaborative and contract research with CSIRO: - The NMP is available for collaborative research projects and commercial analysis and imaging. Feel free to send an email message here to discuss your particular geological problem, research proposal or microanalytical requirements. Click here for notes on sample preparation. Australian Microscopy Virtual Laboratory: - The CSIRO-GEMOC Nuclear Microprobe is an integrated part of the "Australian Microscopy Virtual Laboratory" providing a common web-based interface to a range of microanalytical instruments across the CSIRO. Login here. Nuclear Microprobe analytical methods: - Ion-beam analysis methods involving the detection of induced X-rays, scattered particles or nuclear reaction products, provide tools for non-destructive microanalysis, element imaging, light element detection, and the characterisation of trace element lattice residence. NMP application areas: - Research at the CSIRO has led to the development of new explorations methods for diamond, and unique data for ore characterisation and the study of ore-forming processes and the structure and evolution of the earth's mantle. This area is currently under construction.

For further information contact: Dr David Belton via email: (David.Belton@csiro.au) +61-3-8344 8375 +61-3-9347 4783 CSIRO Exploration and Mining School of Physics, University of Melbourne VIC 3010, Australia	CSIRO Exploration and Mining

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