Spectral Imaging Laboratory

VNIR, SWIR, LWIR Reflectance Spectroscopy

The MCL is equipped with a state-of-the-art Spectral Imaging laboratory that includes the following infrared (IR) instruments:

• Visible and near (VNIR) model Specim FX10 [insert more], short wave (SWIR) model Specim FX10 Karbon 700, and long wave (LWIR) model [insert more] infrared reflectance spectroscopy instruments are used in the lab and field to analyze and identify rocks and minerals in samples. VNIR covers 0.4 to 1.0μm, SWIR covers 0.9 to 1.7µm, LWIR covers 8.0 to 14.0μm. Spectral signatures are detected at specific wavelengths that can help determine a type of rock or mineral. Different chemical compositions will give off different spectral signatures, which can help to determine a sample. When the infrared beam strikes the surface of the sample, some energy is absorbed, and the beam then reflects back information about the composition of the sample; while being a non-destructive technique.

Terraspec

This device is a portable mineral spectrometer, model Analytical Spectral Devices. Inc. FieldSpec Pro; and can be used in the field or in the lab for quick analysis and identification of minerals. The [insert device model type] Terraspec uses near-infrared (NIR) to analyze minerals, which is a non-destructive technique.

Raman Spectroscopy 

The MCL is equipped with a state-of-the-art Horiba Scientific Lab Ram HR Evolution Raman spectrometer, allowing fast, nondestructive characterization and chemical imaging of diverse materials (e.g., thin/thick sections, powders, fluids, dissolved gases, etc.).
, which can be used to provide information about the chemical compositions a sample is comprised of in order to identify rocks or minerals. The sample is illuminated with a Kimmon Model IK3201R-F Laser, and the scattered light that comes back off the surface is analyzed to provide information about its composition and structure and is a non-destructive technique.