This grant supports acquisition of a pair of cathodoluminescence (CL) detectors that would be mounted on an existing scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electron microprobe (EMP) in the Department of Geosciences at the University of Massachusetts. The CL systems would support a range of studies including investigation of the causes and applications of cathodoluminescence in minerals; analysis of diagenesis and provenance of sediments and sedimentary rocks; geochronologic investigations relying on U-series dating of zoned accessory phases (e.g., monazite and zircon); and understanding the role of water during the petrogenetic and eruption history of felsic to mafic igneous rocks. The CL systems would support undergraduate and graduate research training for students in the Five-colleges consortium, which includes the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Smith, Mt. Holyoke and Hampshire Colleges.
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