Application Note
Atomic resolution imaging of hexagonal water ice
January 1, 2026
Geosciences
Characterize geological samples to reveal formation history, mineral phases, and environmental impact to support site investigations and resource recovery with minimal environmental footprint.
Driving discovery in Earth and planetary sciences
Geoscience research demands accurate characterization of minerals, rocks, and complex geological formations. Understanding composition and microstructure at the nanoscale is critical for modeling processes such as crystallization, metamorphism, and resource formation. Gatan provides cutting-edge electron microscopy solutions that reveal these details with unmatched precision.
Why electron microscopy matters for geoscience research
Geoscience insights depend on complex interactions among mineral composition, phase relationships, and microstructural features. Our solutions help you:
- Visualize mineral microstructure and phase distribution in rocks and sediments.
- Detect contaminants, residues, and particulates with nanometer-scale precision.
- Identify material origins and compare samples for evidentiary consistency.
- Correlate morphological and chemical data to strengthen forensic conclusions.
Technologies to accelerate your research
Advanced microscopy and analytical techniques enable precise characterization of geological materials, uncovering critical structure–property relationships that explain Earth’s processes and drive scientific discovery.
Cathodoluminescence (CL)
Provides unique nanoscale optical insights into materials by revealing crystal defects, electronic structure, and trace-element chemistry
Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD)
Allows detailed microstructural analysis by mapping crystal orientations, phases, and grain boundaries
Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS)
Delivers atomic-scale insights into elemental composition and chemical bonding—enabling a deeper understanding of material properties.
Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS/EDX)
Facilitates rapid, reliable elemental analysis by detecting characteristic x-rays emitted from a sample, allowing researchers to identify and quantify elements
eaSI Spectrum Imaging
Integrates EELS, EDS, 4D STEM, and more to deliver rich, correlated insights—advancing the understanding of complex, dynamic nanoscale phenomena
Imaging
Delivers high-resolution visualization of biological and inorganic specimens, enabling the study of ultrastructure, material growth, and failure mechanisms
In-situ
Captures real-time nanoscale dynamics under controlled stimuli to uncover fundamental mechanisms and accelerate scientific discovery
Integrated SEM
Combines EDS, EBSD, CL, BSE, and WDS into unified platforms—delivering comprehensive, high-resolution insights into complex materials
Micro x-ray fluorescence (micro-XRF)
Delivers high-resolution, non-destructive elemental analysis—ideal for layered, sensitive, or irregular samples
Wavelength dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (WDS)
Offers high spectral resolution and sensitivity, enabling precise identification and quantification of trace and light elements in complex samples
Enabling results that drive innovation
Unlock the power of electron microscopy with Gatan—explore cutting-edge applications and discover insights through detailed application notes that fuel scientific breakthroughs.
Application Note
Streamlined microanalysis in the SEM
November 1, 2025
Application Note
High-speed, hyperspectral (spectrum) imaging for all with the Monarc detector
August 1, 2024
Application Note
Spectroscopic time-resolved cathodoluminescence using a conventional scanning electron microscope (SEM)
July 1, 2024
Application Note
Observation of crystal structure orientation by CL polarization-filtered spectrum imaging
July 1, 2024
Media Gallery
Immerse yourself in the world of scientific discovery—explore striking microscopy images that reveal the unseen, alongside webinars and tutorials showcasing Gatan technologies in action.
Distribution of microfractures in geological materials can provide insight into emplacement events, such as damage associated with tectonic faulting. The below image shows how cathodoluminescence can be a valuable tool to reveal microfractures under high spatial resolution conditions (low accelerating voltage, low CL signal). Image courtesy of After Laubach et al., Journal of Structural Geology 2005.
Cathodoluminescence provides unrivaled sensitivity to trace element composition so you can observe chemical overprinting where fluid flow along cracks has caused alteration in a polycrystalline diamond sample.
Color cathodoluminescence images of collection of polished zircon grains in epoxy mount; images acquired simultaneously using ChromaCL2 iBSED and field stitching software module. Many grains are highly zoned, and of a type that has been interpreted to be igneous in origin. Several grains also exhibit metamorphic rims.
Here you can see a large collection of zircon grains were imaged to reveal full zonation structure and late rims that are only observable with cathodoluminescence. Field stitching software was used to create a 70 million pixel image with a field of view that is several millimeters in size. Results demonstrate that exact pixel registration between all signals allows you to directly correlate between topography, composition and trace element chemistry over large areas. Sample courtesy of Geological Survey Finland.
N+V and NV radiation halo centers identified from spectrum image (SI) at 50 spectra/s.
Color cathodoluminescence images reveal cementation processes in reservoir rocks. In the left image you can see low temperature quartz cement (bluish) and a later (hotter) overprint (reddish) along grain boundaries in the overgrowth. In the right image, you can see well developed overgrowth cement with multiple zoning. Image courtesy of Dr. Juergen Schieber, Indiana University Shale. Acquired on the ChromoCL2™ system.
Color cathodoluminescence images reveal cementation processes in reservoir rocks. In the left image you can see low temperature quartz cement (bluish) and a later (hotter) overprint (reddish) along grain boundaries in the overgrowth. In the right image, you can see well developed overgrowth cement with multiple zoning. Image courtesy of Dr. Juergen Schieber, Indiana University Shale. Acquired on the ChromoCL2™ system.
Color cathodoluminescence reveals provenance of populations of quartz grains (a) Cleveland shale (Devonian); low grade metamorphic acadian orogeny; (b) Barnett shale (Miss.) Texas; low grade metamorphic ouchita orogeny; (c) Unspecified; (d) Santa Barbara basin shale (modern); plutonic (Sierra Nevada) and metamorphic (recycled coast range sediments); (e) Mancos shale, Utah; low and medium grade metamorphic quartz, sevier orogeny; (f) Huroh shale (Devonian); medium grade metamorphic and plutonic. All samples prepared using Ilion II broad beam argon milling system. Images (a), (b) and (d) –(f) courtesy of Dr. J. Schieber, Indiana University.
Acknowledgment for header image: Sample courtesy of Geological Survey Finland.