Electron
microprobe laboratory is equipped with Electron Probe Micro Analyser
(EPMA) Model SX-50, manufactured by M/s. CAMECA, France.
It
has three vertical and one inclined linear focusing wavelength
dispersive spectrometers fitted with LIF, PET, TAP and pseudo
crystals (PC1 & PC2) diffracting crystals. The system is controlled on and off line by Sun Micro
System under Unix environment.
The laboratory undertakes non-destructive
microdomain (1 micron diameter) near surface, qualitative and quantitative
analyses of elements with atomic number 5 (Boron) and above with
detectable limits generally of 0.01%. The elemental concentration
data are presented in forms such as X-ray, Secondary electron
(SE) and Back scattered electron (BSE) images, Topographic images,
Colour coded elemental concentration pixel plots and Pre-determined
linear profile spectral scans.
Expertise has been developed for
analysing geological, metallurgical and synthetic solid materials
for the above elements.
Chemical ages of minerals with uranium,
thorium and lead are also being determined.