Sample Preparation Tools

The laboratory is equipped with sputter coating (either metal or carbon) tools for depositing a conductive layer on geological samples prior to SEM analyses, as well as grinding and cutting tools. The conductive layer prevents sample charging during SEM imaging. Our coating instruments include a Leica EM ACE600 metal (Ir) coater with tilting/rotating stage, Leica EM ACE200 Carbon coater without rotating stage, which uses carbon fiber as a carbon source and a Ladd Vacuum 30008FT Carbon Rod Evaporator. For precise cutting of rock samples, we have a south bay 650 diamond saw and for smooth surface polishing we have Allied High-Tech Products M-Prep 5 Grinder/Polisher.

Iridium coater

Carbon coater

Diamond Saw

Polisher and Grinder