Electron Probe Microanalyzer (EPMA): the JEOL JXA-8200 Superprobe
The MIT Electron Microprobe Facility houses the JEOL JXA-8200 Superprobe, a state-of-the-art Electron-probe Microanalyzer (EPMA) or Electron Microprobe. The EPMA provides complete micron-scale quantitative chemical analysis through wavelength dispersive spectrometry (WDS) and back-scattered electron, secondary electron, x-ray (elemental mapping) and light (cathodoluminescence) images of minerals (silicates, oxides, carbonates, sulfides, sulfo-salts, phosphates), ceramics, glass, metals, and other materials. It has been used to analyze terrestrial and lunar rocks, meteorites, superconductors, semiconductors, asbestos, lead (in industrial paint), fluorine (in tooth), hydroxy-apatite, and concrete.
Any element (except H, He and Li) can be analyzed in its alloy or compound form with minimal sample preparation. All that is required is a polished, flat surface. In addition to the common alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, and nonmetals, the EPMA is capable of analyzing
- Rare earth elements (REE): La to Lu, Y, Sc, and actinides: U and Th.
- Platinum group elements (PGE): Pt, Pd, Re, Os, Ir, Ru, Rh.
- Ultralight elements: Be, B, C, N and O.
- Halogens: F, Cl, Br, I.
- Metalloids: Ge, As, Se, Sb, Te
The facility serves a broad spectrum of scientists at MIT (EAPS, Material Science, Civil and Environmental Engineering and other departments), Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), neighboring universities, academic institutions and the industry. It is routinely used for research and teaching in petrology, geochemistry, geochronology and paleomagnetism at EAPS. Please contact us to request access to the facility or for analytical services.
