• Hough, Rob
• Cleverley, James
• Dyl, Katie
• Bland, Phil
• Fisher, Louise

Abstract

We present the application of a new Synchrotron-based technique for rapid mapping of trace element distributions across large areas to the CV3 meteorites Allende and Vigarano. This technique couples the high energy of the Australian Synchrotron XFM beamline with a custon designed and built 384-array Si-pin X-ray detector (Maia 384). The Maia detector allows for data to be collected using a 2 um spot size at very low dwell times (0.1-0.5 us) , resulting in maps of entire thin sections in 5 hours. The Maia is an Energy Dispersive System which allows for the collection of a large energy range spectrum with very high sensitivity. Hence there is no need to constrain the elements of interest a priori. We collected whole section maps (2cm x 1cm) from 3 thick sections of Allende and a single map (2cm x 1.5cm) from a thick section of Vigarano. Our experimental conditions provide data from elements with 20 < Z < 40 (K-band, Ca through Zr) and the L-emissions of Os, ir, Pt, Au and Pb. We illustrate the unique capabilities of this technique by presenting observations across myriad length scales, from the centimetre-scale down to the detection of sub-micron particles within these objects. Our initial results show the potential of this techniqe to help decipher spatial and textural variations in trace element chemistry between CAI's, chondrules, matrix, and other Allende components. We also illustrate how these datasets can be applied to understanding both nebular and parent-body processes within meteorites.

Topics

• impedance spectroscopy
• trace element
• fluorescence microscopy