Acquisition of a New Electron Imaging Facility

University Of California-Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara CA

Investigators

Abstract

The Earth Science Department at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) will establish a new electron imaging facility with coupled cathodoluminescence, electron-backscatter diffraction, and energy-dispersive analysis systems. This state-of-the-art facility will provide new opportunities and continuing support for a wide range of exciting research by principal investigators, students, and visitors on topics as diverse as: i) new methods in zircon geochronology, ii) new methods of imaging microbes in geologic/environmental samples with genetic probes; iii) the genesis and exhumation of ultrahigh-pressure rocks, iv) the origin and early diversification of life on Earth, v) biomineralization in early animals, vi) mineral-microbe interactions in seafloor hydrothermal systems; vii) the role of clay and quartz crystal orientation in pressure solution, viii) signals of methane influence on foraminifera, and ix) the paleoclimate record in speleothems and tests. Our new progress in these areas will be facilitated by three new capabilities: i) operating at low vacuum, ii) coupled energy-dispersive-electron-backscatter diffraction, and iii) position-tagged energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS) spectrometry. UCSB is providing $90,000 in matching funds, and continuing fulltime salary support for two development engineers to operate, enhance and maintain the facility. As we replace retiring faculty over the next 10 years, the new facility will attract competitive young new scientists and ensure the long-term vitality of geochemistry, geochronology, petrology, structural geology, paleontology, and paleoclimatology research and education at UCSB. It will also be one of our showcase instruments we use to excite interest in science among student visitors from local grade schools.