A Lab-Based Micro X-Ray Fluorescence Analyzer for Chemical Mapping of Geological Samples

This project funds a benchtop micro X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) analyzer to provide chemical mapping of geological specimens. This multi-user, shared equipment will promote research ranging from Earth and planetary histories to water-rock interactions and modern environmental issues. The equipment will advance STEM education through curricular development and serve as a foundational hands-on training tool for undergraduate and graduate student researchers. Public lectures and outreach activities for K-12 students and teachers and the general public will help to build the future STEM workforce. The μ-XRF instrument offers rapid, non-destructive elemental mapping from micrometer to centimeter scales. The system supports multidisciplinary research across geosciences, energy, chemistry, biology, materials science, and anthropology. Applications include identifying geochemical reaction zones in sedimentary rocks; reconstructing paleoenvironmental conditions for dolomite formation; examining nutrient transport from soil to plants; mapping trace elements in mineral grains for luminescence dating; and characterizing meteorites to investigate early Earth processes. It also serves as a screening tool prior to resource- and energy-intensive synchrotron beamtime. Integration of this equipment will improve STEM education and instruction that promotes development of a globally competitive workforce. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.