Methods for Characterization of Carbonaceous Meteorites

At a Glance

Metadata	Details
Publication Date	2016-01-01
Journal	Cornerstone (Minnesota State University, Mankato)
Authors	Brandon Baer

Abstract

Raman Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy are three non-destructive methods for determining the chemical composition and structure, topography, and elemental composition of a sample, respectively. In particular, these techniques are excellent for studying meteorites in order to further understand the evolution of planet formation. In Dr. Analía Dall’Asén’s laboratory, we have a custom-built micro-Raman system that will be used to characterize carbonaceous meteorites. We have been optimizing the system using samples of known Raman signal such as silicon, diamond and C60, to be confident that we are receiving the best possible signal. We have also analyzed the power relationship between the laser output, and the power arriving at the sample. We expect to complete optimization, after which we will begin analyzing a new meteorite sample. We have conducted analysis of scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy images, of meteorite samples, which gives us information about the topography and two-dimensional distribution of elements from the sample surface. We completed the analysis using software to stitch together multiple image files into a composite representation. The analysis found significant amounts of aluminum, iron, magnesium, and carbon. We correlate the obtained elements with the materials identified using Raman spectroscopy, such as olivine, pyrone and graphite. The combination of these three techniques is a powerful set of tools for the analysis of carbonaceous meteorites. Going forward, these methods will lead to information on the composition of materials in the early solar system and could potentially answer questions regarding planetary formation.

Tech Support

Original Source

DOI: None