Microscopes and Collections
Scanning Electron Microscope with EDS
Petroleum Geosciences recently acquired a Philips-FEI Quanta 200 Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and an Oxford Energy Dispersive Spectrophotometer (EDS). Scanning electron microscopes use electrons instead of light to form an image. <<more>>
Petrographic and Binocular Microscopes and Point Counter
Petroleum Geosciences Program has 24 Olympus BX41 petrographic microscopes. We also have two Olympus BX51 microscopes equipped with high-resolution digital cameras (12 megapixels). The digital cameras are connected to PCs and projection systems. This allows the projection of thin section images onto a screen for lectures and labs...<<more>>
Cathodoluminescence Microscope (CL)
Cathodoluminescence is an optical and electrical phenomenon created when a beam of electrons, generated by an electron gun, impacts a luminescent material. This causes the material to emit visible light.
CL microscopy is a tool used to study the microstructure and composition of rocks and fossils. <<more>>
Thin Section preparation equipment
Thin sections are thin slices of rocks (30 microns) mounted on glass slides. They are viewed using petrographic microscopes to observe the optical properties of the component minerals in plane and polarized light, thus allowing the identification of minerals textures, microfossils, and other biological components. Samples are also prepared as thin sections for observation using the Scanning Electron Microscope and Cathodoluminescence equipment. <<more>>
Particle Size Distribution Equipment
Particle size distribution (PSD) of a powder, granular material, or particles dispersed in fluid defines the relative amounts of particles present, sorted according to size. PSD is also known as grain size distribution. The method used to determine PSD is called particle size analysis, and the apparatus a particle size analyzer. Aside from the simple and straight-forward use of sieves as one of the methods of measurement, the Department of Petroleum Geosciences also uses the more sophisticated Malvern Mastersizer 2000 Particle Size Analyzer. <<more>>
Fossil Collection
The Petroleum Geosciences Program possesses a substantial collection of fossils and paleontological teaching aids. These materials are used in teaching and laboratory exercises to help students acquire a fundamental knowledge of Earth history and the development of life on Earth. The collection covers all fossil groups, including microfossils. <<more>>
Rock and Mineral Collection
Laboratory exercises using the Petroleum Geosciences Program’s extensive mineral and rock collections provide students with hands-on opportunities to learn the fundamentals of petrology and mineralogy. <<more>>
