This NSF grant supported the operation of the Arizona State University secondary ion mass spectrometer (SIMS) laboratories to act as a national facility for earth science researchers. SIMS instruments are commercially available largely because of the demands of the semiconductor industry, but are far too expensive to be commonly available in academic research environments (the replacement cost for the instrument supported by this grant is >$3M).

SIMS is applied to earth science research through its ability to make chemical and isotopic analyses on very small areas (about 1/10th the diameter of a human hair) in natural materials (minerals and glasses contained in sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic rocks). Some geoscience researchers study processes deep in planetary interiors, conducting experiments at high pressure and temperature to simulate these conditions. Microanalyses of the products of these experiments (often quite small) represent another common task at our SIMS lab. This technique is very sensitive, allowing concentrations of many elements to be quantified at the 1 part-per-million level and below. However, in addition to its expense, the operation of this specialized equipment is quite complex with a steep learning curve to gain mastery.

Our charge is to simplify the operation so that visiting geoscience researchers can be trained to obtain chemical analyses by themselves (with our assistance). We expect visitors to become mostly independent in approximately one to four hours after getting started. We also help them prior to their visit, because the proper preparation of their samples for analysis is very important. During their trip, we help them modify their analysis routine based on what they have learned (to maximize efficiency). During and after their trip we help them interpret their chemical analyses (if requested).

Visitors include undergraduate students, graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and faculty members from many universities across the U.S. Our lab is busy maintaining the instrument and helping visitors about 2/3 of the available time. If analytical time is available, we also help ASU research engineers characterize experimental photovoltaic and integrated circuit devices. The rest of the instrument time is applied to developing new analytical techniques for future research questions in the geosciences and working at improving the physical capabilities of the instrument (more efficient ion sources, for example). Some of these improvements can result in partnerships with industry. Because of the interest in this type of analysis, we conduct an annual workshop aimed at teaching students more about how SIMS works. The grant supports the travel and lodging costs of U.S. students during the three-day event held each January. 

Last Modified: 11/23/2015
Modified by: Richard L Hervig