X-ray diffraction

Responsible scientist

Dr. Christoph Vogt

X-ray diffraction facilities offered by Paleostudies allow rapid non-destructive analyses of mineral assemblages of sediments.

The analytical equipment includes a Philips X´Pert Pro MD system with X´Celerator detector technology and a standard Philips X´Change system for the routine measurement of powdered samples. A sample changer at the X´Pert Pro MD system supports a 24 h use of the XRD machine allowing for large amounts of measured samples.

XRD measurements are frequently used in paleoceanograhy to distinquish terrigenous and marine components of the sediment and use single or groups of minerals as tracer of riverine input. Mineralogical investigations can also be utilized for research on diagenesis or authigenic materials at mid ocean ridges, as well as redox potentials of the sediment. More information on research and expertise of the people at our XRD laboratory can by found on the webpages of the geoscience department.