Thin Section Lab
The following analytical preparation procedures can be accomplished
in the Thin Section Lab (Room 147):
- Sample cutting
- Sample polishing
- Production of petrographic thin sections
- Production of polished thin sections
- Staining of thin sections
- Impregnation of thin sections
- Crushing and grinding of samples
- Sieving of samples
- Magnetic mineral separation
The standard procedure for graduate students to request any of the
above procedures involve the three following steps:
- Meet with a thesis advisor to discuss an overall plan with respect
to analytical procedures to be used for samples.
- Fill out a "Thin Section Request Form" identifying the
specific procedures to be followed, listing all samples by number,
and have thesis advisor sign form.
- Turn in samples to John Skok in room 147 and discuss with him
specific procedures, timing, and costs.
Graduate students are allowed to use the equipment in the Thin
Section Lab. In order to use the equipment, students should set up a
training session time with John Skok. After the student is checked-out
on a piece of equipment, they can schedule times to use it on their own.
SEM Lab
The following analytical procedures can be accomplished in the
Scanning Electron Microscope Lab (Room 405B)
- Secondary electron imaging
- Backscatter electron imaging
- Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (Qualitative)
- Printing of X-ray spectra
- Image photography
The standard procedure for graduate students to request use of the
SEM involves the four following steps:
- Meet with thesis advisor to decide on specific goals to accomplish
on SEM and which samples to analyze.
- Meet with John Skok (room 147) to discuss planned use of the SEM
and to deliver samples for preparation.
- Meet with John Skok for initial training session on sample coating
and use of SEM.
- Fill out sign-up sheet on door of Room 405B.
Graduate students are allowed to use the SEM independently once they
have received permission for John Skok.
