Blog Archive

Single-grain OSL (Optically Stimulated Luminescence) dating is a technique used to determine the age of sediments by measuring the luminescence signal from individual grains of quartz or other minerals. This method is particularly useful for dating samples that are not completely bleached by sunlight before deposition, as it allows for the identification and exclusion of …

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Photogrammetry is the science and technology of obtaining reliable information about physical objects and the environment through the process of recording, measuring, and interpreting photographic images. It involves taking overlapping photographs of an object or scene and using specialized software to create a 3D model or other digital representations.

Metallurgical droplets refer to small, molten metal particles formed during various metal processing techniques like atomization, welding, or casting. These droplets play a crucial role in processes like spray deposition, additive manufacturing, and welding, where they impact microstructure, mechanical properties, and overall product quality.

Nano-CT, or nano-computed tomography, is a high-resolution, non-destructive imaging technique that uses X-rays to create 3D visualizations of microscopic structures. It’s a significant advancement over micro-CT, offering significantly improved spatial resolution down to the nanometer scale. This allows researchers to examine the internal structure of materials and biological samples with exceptional detail, enabling new insights …

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A Voxel is a volumetric pixel, essentially a 3D pixel, representing a value on a regular 3D grid. It’s the fundamental unit of data in a 3D digital image or model, analogous to how a pixel is the basic unit in a 2D image. Voxels are commonly used in medical imaging (CT scans, MRIs), scientific …

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In geology, a Steam-burst fracture refers to a type of fracture (a crack or break) in rock caused by the rapid expansion of steam or heated fluids within the rock mass. This can occur due to various geological processes, including volcanic activity, geothermal systems, or even rapid heating of rock during landslides. These fractures can …

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Hand specimen and thin-section analysis are complementary methods used in geology to identify and study rocks and minerals. Hand specimens are macroscopic samples of rock, while thin sections are very thin slices of rock mounted on a glass slide, allowing for microscopic examination. These methods help determine a rock’s composition, texture, and origin.

Neutron tomography is a form of computed tomography involving the production of three-dimensional images by the detection of the absorbance of neutrons produced by a neutron source. It creates a three-dimensional image of an object by combining multiple planar images with a known separation.

Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is a technique used to analyze the elemental and isotopic composition of solid samples with minimal or no sample preparation. It combines laser ablation for sample introduction with the high sensitivity of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). This allows for spatially resolved analysis of elements in …

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Portable XRF/µXRF (micro X-ray fluorescence) mapping is a technique used to analyse the elemental composition of a sample while simultaneously creating a spatial map of those elements. It combines the elemental analysis capabilities of XRF with the ability to scan a sample’s surface at a microscopic level, enabling the identification and quantification of elements within …

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