This Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program grants supports acquisition of an x-ray diffractometer for research and research training at Macalester College, an undergraduate institution. Research on paleosols, bone diagenetic processes, sediment and archaeological artifact provenance, and stratigraphic correlation, all requiring mineral phase identification, would be facilitated and enhanced with the new XRD. Research on semiconducting thin films would also benefit from structural analysis of crystalline materials. A PANalytical PW3040 XRD will be acquired. The XRD will replace an antiquated XRD (vintage 1986) that is no longer supported by the manufacture or a service contract and is experiencing frequent mechanical and electronics problems. The new XRD will complement an existing SEM and XRF in the Keck Electronics Lab at Macalester. The Keck lab is managed by the lead PI, Karl Wirth, and has full time technical support. The Keck lab serves as a regional analytical facility for multiple universities and colleges including, Illinois State, St. Cloud, North Dakota - Fargo, Beloit College, Colorado College and Carleton College. ***
