Facilities in the Department of Geological Sciences
- X-ray diffraction laboratory, equipped with a semi-automated Phillips X-ray generator and an automated Scintag X-ray generator for diffractometry, powder and single-crystal cameras.
- Research polarizing microscopes for transmitted and reflected light microscopy, including automated photomicrographic equipment.
- Automated electron microprobe-Cameca SX50, with supporting sample preparation and photomicrographic equipment - C. Li, Director.
- Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometer with supporting sample preparation equipment.
- Atomic absorption spectrophotometer with graphite furnace.
- Elemental analyzer (S, C, H).
- Four stable isotope ratio mass spectrometers with associated extraction lines (S, C, O, H), including a laser ablation fluorination system for microanalysis - S. Studley, Director.
- Electronics shop for electron microprobe and mass spectrometer maintenance.
- High intensity magnetic separator (Pacific Electric Motor Co.) for clay size materials.
- Combination microscope heating-freezing stage for the study of fluid inclusions.
- Thin and polished section preparation laboratory.
- Mineral separation facility.
- Capillary gas chromatographic system equipped with variable split/splitless injector and detection by either flame ionization or electron capture.
- Gradient liquid chromatographic system capable of analytical or preparatory chromatography, equipped with variable wavelength uv/visible absorption detector or refractive index detector.
- Dual mode CHN or OS elemental analyzer, equipped with a vacuum apparatus used in the collection of effluent gasses for stable isotope ratio analysis.
- Isotope Ratio Monitoring GC-MS: online chromatographic separation of organic compounds, combustion and mass spectrometric analysis (carbon).
- Research microsamples/micromill for precise sampling of rocks or thin sections for isotopic analyses.
- Fully equipped machine shop.
- Photographic laboratory - B. Hill, photographer
- Drafting services - R. Hill, Director.
- Computer terminals linked to several VAX computers and a variety of departmental and laboratory computers.
- Outstanding library services.
