High-resolution spectral mapping of Odessa meteorite with filters

Gatan instrument used

EDAX^® Orbis™ micro-XRF elemental analyzer

Background

Meteorites are fragments of rock or metal from extraterrestrial objects that pass through Earth’s atmosphere and survive to hit the surface. X-ray mapping of these precious meteorites samples is non-destructive and reveals valuable information for studying the early solar system. Compared to energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy in a scanning electron microscope, the Orbis micro x-ray fluorescence (micro-XRF) elemental analyzer can accommodate these relatively large-scale, non-conductive samples while still maintaining high resolution with its polycapillary x-ray optic.