{"id":23306,"date":"2026-03-10T09:24:01","date_gmt":"2026-03-10T08:24:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.geowiss.uni-mainz.de\/institut-fuer-geowissenschaften\/analytik-labore\/"},"modified":"2026-05-06T14:14:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T12:14:00","slug":"analytik-labore","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.geowiss.uni-mainz.de\/en\/institut-fuer-geowissenschaften\/analytik-labore\/","title":{"rendered":"Analytics and Laboratories"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Production of rock thin sections and preparation of rock, mineral and fossil samples for further analysis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Contact person<\/strong>: Prof. Dr. Evangelos Moulas<\/a> – Research group Metamorphic Processes<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \n\n \n\n

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Disc vibration mill with tungsten carbide insert for processing crushed rock samples for further analytics such as X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) or X-ray diffractometry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hydraulic press, jaw crusher and roller mill for coarse and medium-fine crushing of rock samples<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Additional equipment for sample preparation in various research groups:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n\n \n\n

The Cryomill is a specialized ball mill used to gently grind soft tissue or biomineralizates to an analytical fineness while cooling the grinding jar and material with liquid nitrogen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact person: Prof. Dr. Thomas T\u00fctken<\/a><\/strong> – Research group Paleontology<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Used for precise, material-conserving cutting of smaller mineral, rock or hard-tissue samples with water-cooled diamond-coated saw blades and minimal sample loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Various research groups<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Contact person: Dr. Tobias H\u00e4ger<\/a> <\/strong> – Research group Geomaterials and Gemstone Research<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Contact person: Prof. Dr. J. Castro<\/a><\/strong> – Research group Volcanology<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Contact person: Prof. Dr. D. Scholz<\/a><\/strong> – Research Group Speleothem Research<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Production of homogeneous glasses from small quantities of rock powder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact person: Prof. Dr. D. Scholz<\/a><\/strong> – Research Group Speleothem Research<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Petrology work group has a piston-cylinder laboratory with two presses in a modified Boyd-England design. The equipment includes a 650-ton apparatus with a 1-inch piston diameter and a 250-ton press with a 0.5-inch piston diameter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both apparatus can generate pressures of up to 3.0 GPa (30,000 atmospheres) and reach temperatures of up to 1500 \u00b0C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact person: Dr. S. Buhre<\/a><\/strong> – Research group Petrology<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The multi-anvil apparatus can achieve pressures of up to 15 GPa (150,000 atmospheres) and temperatures of up to 2500\u00b0.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/jgu-base-tabsitem>\n\n\n \n\n

Hydrothermal autoclave system with Thermoconcept hinged tube furnaces<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact person: Prof. Dr. J. Castro<\/a><\/strong> – Research group Volcanology<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Contact person: Prof. Dr. J. Castro<\/a><\/strong> – Research group Volcanology<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Contact person: Prof. Dr. J. Castro<\/a><\/strong> – Research group Volcanology<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Contact person: Prof. Dr. J. Castro<\/a><\/strong> – Research group Volcanology<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Our group conducts laboratory experiments on speleothem growth and the associated isotope fractionation using a setup that is unique worldwide. In a climate chamber, temperature, humidity, pCO2<\/sub>, the isotopic composition of atmospheric CO2<\/sub>, and drip water can be set and controlled. As in a natural cave, synthetic speleothems can be precipitated from dripping or flowing very thin solution films. This allows us to investigate the influence of various environmental parameters such as temperature and drip rate on the isotopic composition of speleothems under controlled conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact person: Prof. Dr. Denis Scholz<\/a> – Research group Speleothem Research<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Laboratory experiments – climate chamber and Themo Scientific Delta Ray<\/p>\n\n\n<\/jgu-base-tabsitem>\n\n<\/jgu-base-tabs><\/div><\/div>\n<\/jgu-base-section>\n

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(c) Peter Pulkowski<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The electron microprobe (EMP) or electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA) is based on a scanning electron microscope. However, it is equipped with 5 WDX spectrometers for quantitative analysis of major, minor, and trace element concentrations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This allows the composition of the smallest areas to be analyzed non-destructively, meaning that even mineral grains measuring just a few micrometers can be analyzed in-situ (i.e., within the rock matrix) with high precision. In addition to rock samples, the smallest glass particles, gemstones, bones, teeth, skeletons of marine organisms, and much more can also be examined. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electrons are emitted from a Schottky emitter. This is a special type of electron source based on thermally assisted field emission. It consists of a very finely tapered tungsten cathode coated with a small amount of zirconium oxide. This coating lowers the effective work function of the electrons at the metal surface. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cathode is moderately heated and simultaneously exposed to a strong electric field. Through the combination of thermal energy and field emission, electrons can overcome the potential barrier at the tip and escape into the vacuum. The emission area is extremely small, resulting in very high beam density. Compared to conventional thermal electron sources, the Schottky emitter provides a particularly bright, stable, and low-energy electron beam. This enables high spatial resolution, good beam stability, and reproducible conditions, which are crucial for precise geochemical analyses in the electron microprobe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The electrons thus generated are accelerated in a high vacuum by an electric potential of up to 30 kV toward the sample. On their way there, the charge carriers pass through a series of electromagnetic coils that shape and focus the beam before it strikes the sample. There, interaction occurs with the atoms of the different elements in the sample, which are excited to emit their specific X-ray radiation. The interaction volume is only a few cubic micrometers, depending on the acceleration voltage. The X-ray spectrometers function like X-ray filters and measure the number of X-ray pulses for a specific element sequentially (normalized to the measurement time and beam current). The measured intensities are then compared with measurements on reference materials (whose compositions have been well determined beforehand) and element concentrations are calculated from this. The matrix correction performed after the measurement is needed to correct for the mutual influence of the elements on one another. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In principle, the EMS can analyze elements from Be to Pu<\/strong> (see periodic table) in all solid<\/strong> materials, provided they are vacuum-stable<\/strong> and do not change under the influence of electron bombardment<\/strong>. For quantitative analyses, a very good surface polish<\/strong> is also mandatory. Non-conductive materials must be coated with a 15-20 nm thick carbon layer<\/strong> to prevent negative charging of the sample. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two of the 5 wavelength-dispersive spectrometers operate with Ar\/methane flow counters, which in combination with LDE1, LDEB, LDEC, TAP or TAPL, and PETL crystals are optimized for measuring light elements. The other spectrometers are equipped with Xe counters and a combination of PETL and LIFL crystals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the EDS system, it is possible to measure multiple elements simultaneously and thereby perform phase identification in a matter of seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact person: Dr. S. Buhre<\/a><\/strong> – Research group Petrology<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<\/jgu-base-tabsitem>\n\n\n \n\n

X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) is used for material analysis. It serves for the qualitative and quantitative determination of the elemental composition of solid, liquid, or pasty samples, such as: rocks, soils, minerals, clays, ores, steels, alloys, glasses, ceramics, building materials, slags, plastics, pastes, and oils.XRF is used in research and in quality and production control in industry. Depending on the equipment of the analytical instrument, the determination of elements from atomic number 4 (Be) to 92 (U) is possible. The measurement range, depending on the element and the matrix, extends from 0.0001 wt% to 100 wt%. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

X-ray fluorescence analysis uses X-rays as primary radiation to excite a sample to be analyzed. Through interaction with the sample, secondary X-ray radiation (“fluorescence radiation”) is produced, which can be qualitatively and quantitatively determined after spectral decomposition by diffraction on a crystal. The wavelengths of this radiation are characteristic of the elements present in the sample. From the intensity of the characteristic radiation, the concentration of the elements to be determined can be calculated based on extensive correction and calibration programs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In order to optimally address all questions, the spectrometer is equipped with various apertures, 3 collimators, 6 analyzer crystals (PX1, PE002, Ge111, PX9, LiF200, LiF220), and 3 detectors (flow, scintillation, and Xe proportional counters). This allows the best setting to be made for trace to major elements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main area of application at our institute is the determination of major and trace elements in geological samples. If required, special measurement programs (applications) are also developed. Semi-quantitative analyses of a wide range of solids can be carried out using the standardless IQ+ measurement procedure from Panalytical. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact person: Dipl.-Min. N. Groshopf<\/a><\/strong> – Research group Petrology<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Bruker M4 TORNADO is a powerful micro X-ray fluorescence (\u03bcXRF) system for non-destructive analysis of sediments, rocks and other materials. With a minimum spatial resolution of 20 \u00b5m, it enables the creation of high-resolution 2D maps of elemental distribution and spot analyses directly on the sample. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The system offers high measurement speed, ease of use, and flexible customization options for different sample formats and analysis types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact person: Jun.-Prof. Dr. I. Obreht<\/a><\/strong> – Research group High-Resolution Sedimentology<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<\/jgu-base-tabsitem>\n\n\n \n\n

CF-IRMS stands for Continuous Flow Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry. It is an analytical method from isotope geochemistry and analytical chemistry that is used to determine the ratio of stable isotopes of an element in a sample with very high precision, for example carbon (13<\/sup>C\/12<\/sup>C), nitrogen (15<\/sup>N\/14<\/sup>N), or oxygen (18<\/sup>O\/16<\/sup>O). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact person: Prof. Dr. B. Sch\u00f6ne<\/a>, Michael Maus<\/a><\/strong> – Research group Paleontology<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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CF-IRMS stands for Continuous Flow Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry. It is an analytical method from isotope geochemistry and analytical chemistry that enables the ratio of stable isotopes of an element in a sample to be determined very precisely, for example carbon (13<\/sup>C\/12<\/sup>C), nitrogen (15<\/sup>N\/14<\/sup>N) or oxygen (18<\/sup>O\/16<\/sup>O). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact person: Prof. Dr. B. Sch\u00f6ne<\/a>, Michael Maus<\/a>; – Research group Paleontology<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<\/jgu-base-tabsitem>\n\n\n \n\n

TC-EA stands for Thermal Combustion Elemental Analyzer. It is used to reduce various oxygen-containing substances such as phosphates, waters, or cellulose to carbon monoxide at high temperatures of 1450\u00b0C in a glassy carbon reactor, the oxygen isotope composition of which is then measured in a CF-IRMS. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact person: Prof. Dr. B. Sch\u00f6ne<\/a>, Michael Maus<\/a> – Research group Paleontology<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<\/jgu-base-tabsitem>\n\n\n \n\n

EA stands for Elemental Analyzer. With this device, organic substances such as soil, leaves, hair, collagen, cellulose, or biominerals weighed into tin capsules are oxidized at 1050\u00b0C in a cobalt oxide-containing reactor with the addition of oxygen. A downstream reactor with elemental copper eliminates excess oxygen or reduces nitrogen oxides to nitrogen gas. Using a connected CF-IRMS, the isotope ratios of stable isotopes of carbon (13<\/sup>C\/12<\/sup>C), nitrogen (15<\/sup>N\/14<\/sup>N), or sulfur (34<\/sup>S\/32<\/sup>S) in CO2<\/sub> or N2<\/sub> can be determined with an accuracy of a few tenths of a per mil. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact person: Prof. Dr. B. Sch\u00f6ne<\/a>, Michael Maus<\/a> – Research group Paleontology<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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ICP-OES is an analytical method from analytical chemistry for determining the elemental composition of a sample. In an Ar plasma, the atoms of the elements are excited and emit characteristic light radiation. This emitted radiation is separated by wavelength and measured in an optical emission spectrometer. Since each element has a typical emission spectrum, the elements present can be identified and their concentrations determined. ICP-OES is frequently used in environmental analysis, materials science, geochemistry, and food analysis to quickly and simultaneously determine metals and trace elements in a sample. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact person: Prof. Dr. B. Sch\u00f6ne<\/a>, Prof. Dr. Thomas T\u00fctken<\/a> – Research group Paleontology<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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PrepFAST<\/strong> from Elemental Scientific (ESI) is used to automate sample preparation for MC-ICP-MS isotope analysis of heavy isotopes. It enables automated ion-chromatographic separation of the elements Ca and Sr from the matrix for isotope analysis. For this purpose, the sample must first be dissolved in HCl. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact person: Prof. Dr. Thomas T\u00fctken<\/a><\/strong> – Research group Paleontology<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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GC-C-IRMS (gas chromatography\u2013combustion\u2013isotope ratio mass spectrometry) is an analytical method for determining stable isotope ratios of individual compounds within a sample. With this technique, the individual components of a sample are first separated from one another using a gas chromatograph (GC). The separated compounds are then converted into simple gases such as CO\u2082 or N\u2082 in a combustion furnace (combustion interface). These gases are subsequently analyzed in an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS), which determines the ratios of stable isotopes (e.g., \u00b9\u00b3C\/\u00b9\u00b2C or \u00b9\u2075N\/\u00b9\u2074N) with high precision. The method is used in various scientific fields, including environmental research, food analysis, forensics, and geochemistry. In particular, it is used to investigate sources, origin, and biogeochemical processes of organic compounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact person: Prof. Dr. B. Sch\u00f6ne<\/a><\/strong> – Research group Paleontology<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Triple-Quad ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) is used to determine element concentrations in dissolved and leached rocks and waters down to the ppt (parts per trillion) range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact person: Prof. Dr. Philip Pogge von Strandmann<\/a> – Research group Sediment Geochemistry<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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LA-ICP-MS (“Laser Ablation \u2013 Inductively Coupled Plasma \u2013 Mass Spectrometry”) is a sensitive analytical method for rapid multi-element determination in the trace and ultra-trace range in solid sample materials and technical products. The sample material to be examined is ablated using focused laser radiation and transported with a carrier gas (argon or helium) into the inductively coupled plasma ion source of the ICP-MS. In the plasma at approx. 8000\u00b0C, the tiny sample particles are atomized and positively ionized, accelerated, and transported into the high vacuum of a mass spectrometer. There, they are separated according to their mass-to-charge ratio and energy-to-charge ratio and detected with time resolution. The resulting laser craters are only a few \u00b5m in size; therefore, this minimally invasive method is also well suited for valuable material (museum objects, gemstones). In the geosciences laboratory at the university of Mainz, LA-ICP-MS has been used since 2004 in trace element analytics to characterize samples from the fields of geology, Mineralogy, climate research, materials science, gemstone research, archaeology, and isotope analytics, e.g., for U-Pb dating of zircons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact person: Dr. Regina Mertz<\/a><\/strong>,<\/strong> Prof. Dr. Denis Scholz<\/a> – Research group Speleothem Research<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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MC-ICP-MS (“Multi Collector \u2013 Inductively Coupled Plasma \u2013 Mass Spectrometry”) is a highly sensitive analytical method for the precise determination of isotope ratios in the trace and ultra-trace range in solid and liquid sample materials. The sample material to be analysed is transported either directly via laser ablation or, after prior wet-chemical preparation in the cleanroom laboratory, with a carrier gas into the inductively coupled plasma ion source of the ICP-MS. In the plasma, which is approx. 8000\u00b0C hot, the tiny sample particles are atomised and positively ionised, accelerated, and transported into the high vacuum of the mass spectrometer. There, they are separated according to their energy-to-charge ratio and mass-to-charge ratio and simultaneously detected with time resolution in several detectors of differing sensitivity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In our laboratory, we have been measuring various isotope systems on different geoscientific sample materials since 2019. One focus is high-precision dating of carbonates over the last 650,000 years using the 230<\/sup>Th\/U method, including in-situ<\/em> via laser ablation. We also focus on the following isotope systems: strontium, calcium, magnesium, and lithium. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact person: Prof. Dr. Denis Scholz<\/a>, Dr. Regina Mertz<\/a><\/strong>, Dr. Michael Weber<\/a><\/strong> – Research group Speleothem Research<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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LC-MS with electrospray ionization (ESI) is a powerful analytical method for investigating and determining organic compounds in complex samples. First, the components of the sample are separated from one another by a liquid chromatograph (LC). The eluting compounds then enter an electrospray ionization source, where a fine, electrically charged spray <\/g>is generated from the liquid phase. As the solvent evaporates, charged molecular ions are formed and then transferred to the mass spectrometer. There, the ions are separated and detected according to their mass-to-charge ratio (m\/z). Due to the gentle ionization, this technique is particularly suitable for polar and thermally sensitive molecules. It is therefore frequently used in areas such as pharmaceutical and environmental analysis, food analysis, and biochemical and metabolomic research, especially for the rapid and straightforward determination of dissolved substances such as proteins, nucleic acids, dyes, or metal ions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact person: Prof. Dr. B. Sch\u00f6ne<\/a><\/strong> – Research group Paleontology<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The metal-free cleanroom laboratory is used for the preparation and purification of samples for metal isotope analysis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact person: Prof. Dr. Philip Pogge von Strandmann<\/a> – Research group Sediment Geochemistry<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In our cleanroom laboratory, we carry out sample preparation for mass spectrometric analysis. Using ion-exchange column chromatography, the elements to be analysed are separated from the sample matrix (carbonate, gypsum, phosphates, aqueous solutions). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact person: Prof. Dr. Denis Scholz<\/a>, Susann Denndorf<\/a> – Research group Speleothem Research<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Confocal micro-Raman spectrometer, equipped with four possible excitation lasers (blue: 488 nm<\/strong>, green: 532 nm<\/strong>, red: 633 nm<\/strong>, infrared: 785 nm<\/strong>) and three possible diffraction gratings (300 gr\/mm<\/strong>, 900 gr\/mm<\/strong>, 1800 gr\/mm<\/strong>) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact person: Dr. Tobias H\u00e4ger<\/a> <\/strong> – Research group Geomaterials and Gemstone Research<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer with connected microscope unit for IR absorption analysis of powder samples and mineral thin sections in the near, mid and far infrared range. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact person: Dr. Tobias H\u00e4ger<\/a><\/strong> – Research group Geomaterials and Gemstone Research<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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UV-Vis-NIR Microspectrophotometer. Two spectrometers (TIDAS CCD UV\/NIR and TIDAS PSS NIR) are connected to the Zeiss Axio Imager.A2m, covering the complete range from 300nm-1600nm. Transmission measurements in the 0.1mm range are possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact person: Dr. Tobias H\u00e4ger<\/a><\/strong> – Research group Geomaterials and Gemstone Research<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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UV\/Vis Spectroscopy is used to determine and quantify substances in solution based on their light absorption in the ultraviolet and visible wavelength range. A sample is irradiated with light in the UV and visible range. Certain molecules absorb light at characteristic wavelengths, causing electrons to be excited to higher energy levels. The attenuation of light intensity is measured and can be used to determine the concentration of a substance. Application areas include chemical analysis, environmental analysis, food analysis, and biochemical research, particularly for the rapid and simple determination of dissolved substances such as proteins, nucleic acids, dyes, or metal ions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact person: Prof. Dr. B. Sch\u00f6ne<\/a>, Michael Maus<\/a><\/strong> – Research group Paleontology<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Contact person: Prof. Dr. J. Castro<\/a><\/strong> – Research group Volcanology<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Specim Hyperspectral Imaging systems provide high-resolution, non-destructive analysis of sediments, rocks and other materials across a broad spectrum. With VNIR (Visible to Near-Infrared, 400\u20131000\u202fnm) and SWIR (Short-Wave Infrared, 1000\u20132500\u202fnm) cameras, both visible and infrared properties of the samples can be captured. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This technology enables rapid acquisition of 2D spectral data, allowing conclusions to be drawn about minerals, organic matter, pigments, particle size and sedimentary structures. By combining VNIR and SWIR data, researchers can precisely identify and spatially visualise different sediment components, making it an important tool for high-resolution geoscientific analyses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact person: Jun.-Prof. Dr. I. Obreht<\/a><\/strong> – Research group High-Resolution Sedimentology<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Our scanning electron microscope is equipped with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n