Elemental X-ray imaging using the Maia detector array: The benefits and challenges of large solid-angle

Ryan, C.G.; Kirkham, R.; Hough, R. M.; Moorhead, G. F.; Siddons, D. P.; Jonge, Martin D. de; Paterson, David; Geronimo, G. De; Howard, Daryl L.; Cleverley, James S.

doi:10.1016/j.nima.2009.11.035

Cited by 180 publications

(101 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…The Maia detector array on the XRF microscopy beamline, at the Australian Synchrotron in Melbourne, allows the production of elemental maps with ∼10-ppm detection limits and a resolution of up to 2 μm (29,30).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Role of degassing of the Noril’sk nickel deposits in the Permian–Triassic mass extinction event

Vaillant

Mungall

2017

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

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The largest mass extinction event in Earth's history marks the boundary between the Permian and Triassic Periods at circa 252 Ma and has been linked with the eruption of the basaltic Siberian Traps large igneous province (SLIP). One of the kill mechanisms that has been suggested is a biogenic methane burst triggered by the release of vast amounts of nickel into the atmosphere. A proposed Ni source lies within the huge Noril’sk nickel ore deposits, which formed in magmatic conduits widely believed to have fed the eruption of the SLIP basalts. However, nickel is a nonvolatile element, assumed to be largely sequestered at depth in dense sulfide liquids that formed the orebodies, preventing its release into the atmosphere and oceans. Flotation of sulfide liquid droplets by surface attachment to gas bubbles has been suggested as a mechanism to overcome this problem and allow introduction of Ni into the atmosphere during eruption of the SLIP lavas. Here we use 2D and 3D X-ray imagery on Noril’sk nickel sulfide, combined with simple thermodynamic models, to show that the Noril’sk ores were degassing while they were forming. Consequent “bubble riding” by sulfide droplets, followed by degassing of the shallow, sulfide-saturated, and exceptionally volatile and Cl-rich SLIP lavas, permitted a massive release of nickel-rich volcanic gas and subsequent global dispersal of nickel released from this gas as aerosol particles.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Role of degassing of the Noril’sk nickel deposits in the Permian–Triassic mass extinction event

Vaillant

Mungall

2017

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

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“…Megapixel high-definition trace element X-ray fluorescence (SXRF) mapping using the Maia detector [78][79][80][81], for example, enables the generation of maps with the dimensions of a full thin section or drillcore fragment at resolutions of a few µm in only a few hours, complementing EPMA or LA-ICP-MS analysis. Applications of SXRF mapping in ore mineralogy and petrology are given by [82][83][84].…”

Section: Electron Back-scatter Diffraction (Ebsd)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Advances and Opportunities in Ore Mineralogy

et al. 2017

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Abstract:The study of ore minerals is rapidly transforming due to an explosion of new microand nano-analytical technologies. These advanced microbeam techniques can expose the physical and chemical character of ore minerals at ever-better spatial resolution and analytical precision. The insights that can be obtained from ten of today's most important, or emerging, techniques and methodologies are reviewed: laser-ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry; focussed ion beam-scanning electron microscopy; high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy; electron back-scatter diffraction; synchrotron X-ray fluorescence mapping; automated mineral analysis (Quantitative Evaluation of Mineralogy via Scanning Electron Microscopy and Mineral Liberation Analysis); nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry; atom probe tomography; radioisotope geochronology using ore minerals; and, non-traditional stable isotopes. Many of these technical advances cut across conceptual boundaries between mineralogy and geochemistry and require an in-depth knowledge of the material that is being analysed. These technological advances are accompanied by changing approaches to ore mineralogy: the increased focus on trace element distributions; the challenges offered by nanoscale characterisation; and the recognition of the critical petrogenetic information in gangue minerals, and, thus the need to for a holistic approach to the characterization of mineral assemblages. Using original examples, with an emphasis on iron oxide-copper-gold deposits, we show how increased analytical capabilities, particularly imaging and chemical mapping at the nanoscale, offer the potential to resolve outstanding questions in ore mineralogy. Broad regional or deposit-scale genetic models can be validated or refuted by careful analysis at the smallest scales of observation. As the volume of information at different scales of observation expands, the level of complexity that is revealed will increase, in turn generating additional research questions. Topics that are likely to be a focus of breakthrough research over the coming decades include, understanding atomic-scale distributions of metals and the role of nanoparticles, as well how minerals adapt, at the lattice-scale, to changing physicochemical conditions. Most importantly, the complementary use of advanced microbeam techniques allows for information of different types and levels of quantification on the same materials to be correlated.

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“…An automated sample stage was used to scan samples at 2 lm increments in the x and y dimensions with a dwell time of approximately 4 ms per pixel. Fluorescent X-rays were collected with the Maia 384 silicon detector array which spans a large solid angle allowing for high count rates and collection of large images in a relatively short time (approximately 1 M pixels per hour in this experiment) (Ryan et al, 2010). Spectral fitting and quantitative mapping was carried out using the Dynamic Analysis Method as implemented in the Geo-PIXE II software (Ryan, 2000;CSIRO, 2010).…”

Section: Environmental Data Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Trace metal concentrations in the tropical sponge Spheciospongia vagabunda at a sewage outfall: synchrotron X-ray imaging reveals the micron-scale distribution of accumulated metals

Padovan

Munksgaard

Alvarez³

et al. 2012

Hydrobiologia

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Major and trace elements were measured in sponges, seawater and sediment in Darwin Harbour (Australia) to test the hypothesis that metals are elevated in sponges closer to a sewage outfall compared with unimpacted sites. Seawater and sediment at the sewage discharge site contained high, but localised, concentrations of phosphorus (P), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) compared with background sites. Metal concentrations in the sponge Spheciospongia vagabunda were highly elevated compared with other sponges and, although site specific, high metal concentrations were unrelated to the presence of sewage effluent. X-ray fluorescence microprobe imaging was used to investigate the metal distribution pattern in S. vagabunda. High Fe, Ni and Zn concentrations were either localised in circular patches (100-200 lm size) near water canals or in the pinacoderm, or scattered in spots (approximately 10 lm) throughout the tissue. This supports a microflora-mediated metal bioaccumulation hypothesis. In contrast, Co and Mn were highly dispersed and probably associated with aluminium-and iron-oxide rich sediment inclusions. Although the lack of association between sewage effluent and metal accumulation precludes the use of S. vagabunda as a biomonitor, the apparent differential mechanisms of metal accumulation warrants further investigation.

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Elemental X-ray imaging using the Maia detector array: The benefits and challenges of large solid-angle

Cited by 180 publications

References 15 publications

Role of degassing of the Noril’sk nickel deposits in the Permian–Triassic mass extinction event

Role of degassing of the Noril’sk nickel deposits in the Permian–Triassic mass extinction event

Advances and Opportunities in Ore Mineralogy

Trace metal concentrations in the tropical sponge Spheciospongia vagabunda at a sewage outfall: synchrotron X-ray imaging reveals the micron-scale distribution of accumulated metals

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