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Investigation of Synthetic Mg(1.3)V(1.7)O4 Spinel with MgO Inclusions: Case Study of a Spinel with an Apparently occupied Interstitial Site

A magnesium vanadate spinel crystal, ideally MgV2O4, synthesized at 1 bar, 1200 C and equilibrated under FMQ + 1.3 log f(sub o2) condition, was investigated using single-crystal X-ray diffraction, electron microprobe, and electron backscatter (EBSD). The initial X-ray structure refinements gave tetrahedral and octahedral site occupancies, along with the presence of 0.053 apfu Mg at an interstitial octahedral site . Back-scattered electron (BSE) images and electron microprobe analyses revealed the existence of an Mg-rich phase in the spinel matrix, which was too small (less than or equal to 3microns) for an accurate chemical determination. The EBSD analysis combined with X-ray energy dispersive spectroscop[y (XEDS) suggested that the Mg-rich inclusions are periclase oriented coherently with the spinel matrix. The final structure refinements were optimized by subtracting the X-ray intensity contributions (approx. 9%) of periclase reflections, which eliminated the interstitial Mg. This study provides insight into possible origins of refined interstitial cations reported in the the literature for spinel, and points to the difficulty of using only X-ray diffraction data to distinguish a spinel with interstitial cations from one with coherently oriented MgO inclusions.

Uchida, Hinako↗

Stress Concentration and Fracture at Inter-variant Boundaries in an Al-Li Alloy

Delamination fracture has limited the use of lightweight Al-Li alloys. Studies of secondary, delamination cracks in alloy 2090, L-T fracture toughness samples showed grain boundary failure between variants of the brass texture component. Although the adjacent texture variants, designated B(sub s1) and B(sub s2), behave similarly during rolling, their plastic responses to mechanical tests can be quite different. EBSD data from through-thickness scans were used to generate Taylor factor maps. When a combined boundary normal and shear tensor was used in the calculation, the delaminating grains showed the greatest Taylor Factor differences of any grain pairs. Kernel Average Misorientation (KAM) maps also showed damage accumulation on one side of the interface. Both of these are consistent with poor slip accommodation from a crystallographically softer grain to a harder one. Transmission electron microscopy was used to confirm the EBSD observations and to show the role of slip bands in the development of large, interfacial stress concentrations. A viewgraph presentation accompanies the provided abstract.

Crooks, Roy↗

Crystallography of Magnetite Plaquettes and their Significance as Asymmetric Catalysts for the Synthesis of Chiral Organics in Carbonaceous Chondrites

We have previously observed the magnetite plaquettes in carbonaceous chondrites using scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging, examined the crystal orientation of the polished surfaces of magnetite plaquettes in CI Orgueil using electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) analysis, and concluded that these magnetite plaquettes are likely naturally asymmetric materials. In this study, we expanded our EBSD observation to other magnetite plaquettes in Orgueil, and further examined the internal structure of these remarkable crystals with the use of X-ray computed microtomography.

Chan, Q. H. S.↗

Transmission Electron Microscopy of Magnetite Plaquettes in Orgueil

Magnetite sometimes takes the form of a plaquette - barrel-shaped stack of magnetite disks - in carbonaceous chondrites (CC) that show evidence of aqueous alteration. The asymmetric nature of the plaquettes caused Pizzarello and Groy to propose magnetite plaquettes as a naturally asymmetric mineral that can indroduce symmetry-breaking in organic molecules. Our previous synchrotron X-ray computed microtomography (SXRCT) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analyses of the magnetite plaquettes in fifteen CCs indicate that magnetite plaquettes are composed of nearly parallel discs, and the crystallographic orientations of the discs change around a rotational axis normal to the discs surfaces. In order to further investigate the nanostructures of magnetite plaquettes, we made two focused ion beam (FIB) sections of nine magnetite plaquettes from a thin section of CI Orgueil for transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis. The X-ray spectrum imaging shows that the magnetite discs are purely iron oxide Fe3O4 (42.9 at% Fe and 57.1 at% O), which suggest that the plaquettes are of aqueous origin as it is difficult to form pure magnetite as a nebular condensate. The selected area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns acquired across the plaquettes show that the magnetite discs are single crystals. SEM and EBSD analyses suggest that the planar surfaces of the magnetite discs belong to the {100} planes of the cubic inverse spinel structure, which are supported by our TEM observations. Kerridge et al. suggested that the epitaxial relationship between magnetite plaquette and carbonate determines the magnetite face. However, according to our TEM observation, the association of magnetite with porous networks of phyllosilicate indicates that the epitaxial relationship with carbonate is not essential to the formation of magnetite plaquettes. It was difficult to determine the preferred rotational orientation of the plaquettes due to the symmetry of the cubic structure, however, we are able to observe small but consistent rotational orientation across several discs within a plaquette.

Chan, Q. H. S.↗

Detrital Shocked Zircon Provides First Radiometric Age Constraint of <1472 Ma for the Santa Fe Impact Structure, New Mexico, USA

Impact structures are prone to erosion, burial and tectonic deformation. The Santa Fe impact structure in New Mexico contains shatter cones and shocked quartz, but is highly tectonized and eroded; estimates of the impact age (1200-300 Ma) and size (6-13 km) are poorly constrained. Here we report the first occurrence of shock-twinned zircon identified both in modern sediments and bedrock at the Santa Fe impact structure. Zircon {112} twin lamellae are considered diagnostic evidence of shock deformation and have been identified at several impact structures including Vredefort, Sudbury, Ries, Rock Elm, and in lunar impact breccia. A total of 6619 grains from fifteen sediment samples and two rock samples were surveyed; seven shocked grains were identified (7/6619 = 0.1%). One shocked zircon was identified in a biotite schist shatter cone. Five of seven shocked zircon grains were EBSD mapped; three were analyzed with multiple SIMS spots. EBSD mapping revealed {112} deformation twin lamellae in each of the five zircon grains. U-Pb geochronology for three of the shocked zircon grains yield crystallization ages from 1715+/-22 to 1472+/-35 Ma. LA-ICPMS U-Th-Pb analysis of detrital zircon grains from five samples yielded Paleoproterozoic (1800-1600 Ma) and Mesoproterozoic (1500-1300 Ma) ages. We reveal the first confirmed shocked zircon at the Santa Fe structure. Zircon is the third shocked mineral identified at this site, in addition to xenotime and quartz]; the {112} twin lamellae indicate that exposed bedrock may have experienced shock pressures up to ~20 GPa. The 1472+/-35 Ma age determined from a shock-twinned zircon is the first reliable maximum impact age constraint based on analysis of shocked material and extends the window for the Santa Fe impact event into the Mesoproterozoic.

Montalvo, Pedro E.↗

Outstanding Natural Occurrence of TiO2-II at the Chicxulub Crater - Anatomy of A Shock-Produced High-Pressure Polymorph

Scientific drilling of the end-Cretaceous, approximately 180 kilometers-diameter Chicxulub crater (Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico) during IODP–ICDP (Integrated Ocean Drilling Program - International Continental Scientific Drilling Program) Expedition 364 has provided new insights into the formation, shock metamorphism, structural evolution, and thermal history of peak rings in large complex impact craters. An outstanding feature in uplifted granitoid rocks of the Chicxulub peak ring is the preservation of TiO2-II, an orthorhombic high-pressure polymorph of TiO2 with an alpha-PbO2 structure, produced during the impact from rutile and/or anatase at shock pressures of approximately 12.5-17.5 gigapascals. Unlike other mostly micro- and cryptocrystalline occurrences of TiO2-II at terrestrial impact sites, ejecta deposits, and in rare ultra-high pressure metamorphic rocks, TiO2-II at Chicxulub occurs as abundant euhedral crystals greater than or equal to 70 microns in size within aggregates of altered magmatic titanite. This mode of occurrence provides an excellent opportunity to investigate the crystallography and transformation kinetics of the shock-produced high-pressure polymorph using scanning electron microscopic, micro-Raman, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), focused ion beam (FIB), as well as transmission-EBSD and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) techniques. Here we present refined microstructural and new crystallographic results for TiO2-II at the Chicxulub crater.

Schmieder, Martin↗

3d Crystallographic Orientation of Olivine in Bjurböle Chondrules

The crystallographic orientations of chondrule minerals can provide important insights into their formation and deformational history. For example, the orientations of the olivine bars and surrounding rim in barred olivine chondrules provide information and on the conditions of crystallization and the orientations and shapes of olivines within porphritic chondrules can record the reactions with the surrounding nebular gas during chondrule formation. Later deformation on the parent body can cause crystal-plastic deformation of chondrule minerals that is evident through their intracrystalline lattice misorientations. Typically these crystal orientations and lattice misorientations are determined using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) on thin sections but this gives only a 2D picture for what is actually a 3D texture. While it is possible to combine EBSD with serial sectioning to build a 3D dataset of texture, this is a destructive, time-intensive process. A recent technological development that enables non-destructive, 3D crystallographic orientation measurement is X-ray diffraction contrast tomography (DCT), which uses the X-ray diffraction of the crystal lattice to determine orientation. Originally only possible using monochromatic X-ray beams at 3rd generation synchrotron light sources, DCT has been recently adapted to polychromatic sources of laboratory X-ray microscopes (referred to as Lab-DCT). Up to this point LabDCT has only been applied to large, well-formed crystals of high symmetry (i.e., metals), but we recently acquired DCT datasets for a pair Bjurböle chondrules to determine the applicability of the technique to natural, mutlimineralic samples composed predominately of olivine (i.e., chondrules).

Hanna, R. D.↗

Simultaneous Development and Robust Optimization of a Microstructure Dependent Material

Recent microstructure characterization techniques combined with Symbolic Regression(SR)analysis has been proven to generate white box plasticity models well suited for incorporation into FEA software.The current work builds upon those efforts and demonstrates the applicability of Sequential Monte-Carlo (SMC) methods within SR analysis to condense model development and robust optimization into a single, co-dependent process. In this project, SMC methods provide a mechanism through which the observed microstructure features and associated variability can be incorporated into the discovery phase of model development and simultaneously recover approximate parameter distributions through SR analysis. The demonstration utilized a data set consisting of tensile test results from a limited number of sample specimens with corresponding EBSD data from which microstructure features were characterized.The maximum threshold stress model in the Visco-Plastic Self-Consistent (VPSC) code developed by Los Alamos National Laboratories was calibrated using mechanical test data.Synthetic volume elements with statistically equivalent microstructure were generated with DREAM3Dbased on the observed EBSD data. VPSC was used to simulate the corresponding tensile test response for each of the synthetic volume elements. The simulated microstructure and tensile test data was used astraining datafor SMC-SR algorithm and the resulting model was validated with data from the original empirical data set.

Karl Garbrecht↗

Apollo Sample 64455: Petrologic and Geochemical Characterization of a Glass-Coated Impact Melt Rock

Introduction and Background: Impact melts are a key product of the impact cratering process. Impact melts can turbulently entrain pre-existing rock fragments, and melt part of those entrained materials until thermal equilibrium is achieved [1–3]. Lunar impact melt rocks are valuable for determining the precise ages of basin-forming and cratering events, which anchor the cratering chronology and dynamics of the entire solar system [4, and references therein]. Additionally, entrained clasts can inform on the petrology and age of crustal materials that predate the melt-forming impact. In lithologies where no pristine samples are available, entrained materials may hold the record of endogenous lunar volatiles, provided we can untangle their impact histories as high temperature impact melt can heat the clasts and may alter their native volatiles or isotopic signatures [5–6]. Here, we characterize an Apollo 16 sample, 64455,70B, in an effort to understand the physical, microstructural, and geochemical consequences of impact melt contact metamorphism. We acquired optical light and x-ray maps of the sample, as well as quantitative analyses via electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). These tasks allow us to better understand the interaction between impact melts and entrained clasts, ultimately closing knowledge gaps in high-temperature impact processing on planetary surfaces. Sample Description: Sample 64455 is an oblong crystalline rock encased in glass to form an egg-like shape [7–8]. The impact melt coating has altered the outer (1 to 2 mm) rind of the crystalline rock and has preserved schlieren. The interior crystalline rock is likely a crystalline impact melt rock based on its bulk Ir content of 2.25 parts per billion [9]. The composition of the impact melt glass rind cannot be solely derived from the crystalline interior, the glassy rind is more aluminous and less magnesian [10]. Neither the crystalline interior nor the glassy rind were radiometrically age dated, although several studies investigated its cosmogenic isotopes and exposure ages, which reveal the sample was exposed on the lunar surface for ~1–2 Ma [11–13]. Preliminary Results: The interior crystalline rock consists primarily of plagioclase with interstitial pyroxene and olivine. Plagioclase grains are zoned and compositions range from An97–89, while pyroxene compositions generally range from En68Fs19Wo13 to En82Fs15Wo3 and olivine are Fo77 to Fo85. Minor phases include Fe-Ni metal, Ca-phosphates, a K- and Si-rich phase, sulfides, and Fe-phosphides. The glass rind contains approximately 44 wt.% SiO2, 25 wt.% Al2O3, 6 wt.% FeO, 8 wt.% MgO, and 14 wt.% CaO, with other oxides at <1 wt.% each, although the composition of the glass becomes more variable closest to the crystalline rock. The rind consists of rounded plagioclase, pyroxene, and olivine crystals with interstitial melt. In some locations, the rounded crystals are surrounded by closely-packed, blade-like crystals, <5 µm in width. These results indicate that the crystalline interior has partially melted where in contact with the high-temperature impact melt and while further investigation is needed, pyroxene may have preferentially melted relative to olivine and plagioclase. Future Work: We plan to conduct electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) mapping in order to determine crystallinity and crystal orientation. Next using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) data in conjunction with EBSD and EPMA information, we will model the diffusion of moderately volatile elements between the melt and remnant crystals.

A C Stadermann↗

Zircon (U-Th)/He Impact Crater Thermochronometry and the Effects of Shock Microstructures on Helium Diffusion Kinetics

Absolute age determination of impact cratering events remains difficult and often controversial; a challenge that has resulted in < 50% of known impact craters regarded as accurately and precisely dated. Besides conventional 40Ar/39Ar and U-Pb methods, zircon (U-Th)/He (ZHe) dating of impactites has been applied to large- to medium-sized impact structures. ZHe dates can be fully reset in minutes at 1000°C, which is commonly reached in central sections of the melt sheet, whereas resetting of ZHe at <300°C, which might be encountered near the crater margins or persist in post-impact hydrothermal systems, may take >103-6 years. There is a critical need to quantify the effects of shock-induced microstructures and impact metamorphism on helium diffusion kinetics in well-characterized, variably shocked zircon to further establish the reliability of (U-Th)/He for dating impacts. For this purpose, we investigated suevite and impact melt samples from two impact structures, the Chicxulub multi-ring basin and the Ries complex crater, which enables us to compare zircon helium diffusion kinetics from impact structures with differing sizes, ages, and hydrothermal system longevities. Shock microstructures were characterized by backscattered-electron (BSE) imaging prior to diffusion step-heating fractional release experiments using light-bulb furnace with prograde and retrograde incremental 10°C steps from 250°C to 600°C. Afterward, we characterize the diffusion domain sizes and their interconnectivity within the shocked zircon grains using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). We find that zircon with few shock microstructures exhibit no significant deviation from helium diffusion kinetics of undamaged zircon. In contrast, zircon grains with planar deformation features (PDFs) and granular textures classified by BSE and EBSD are characterized by a dramatic decrease in helium retentivity, similar to radiation damaged grains, due to a reduction in the effective domain size and the introduction of interconnected fast diffusion pathways created by shock microstructures. A subset of grains were dated by ZHe after the external morphology of the grains was determined by BSE imaging. The euhedral grains yielded a weighted mean age within the uncertainty of the accepted impact ages, whereas the grains with PDFs or granular textures exhibited younger ages. Thus, these diffusion experiments and ZHe dates suggest that the dramatic decrease in domain size likely renders shocked grains more susceptible to impact-induced hydrothermal resetting and subsequent overprinting. Hence, characterization of shock microstructures is critical for determining accurate impact ages using ZHe methods especially when applied to previously unconstrained craters. The thermochronometer also offers the opportunity to determine the magnitude and duration of post-impact hydrothermal circulation.

zircon↗

Phosphate Textural Diversity in CI Chondrites and C-Type Asteroids

Introduction: Apatite, Ca 5 (PO 4 ) 3 (CL/F/OH-), is a ubiquitous phosphate found throughout the solar system, including the most primitive solids, CI-chondrites [1,2] and related samples of carbonaceous asteroids Ryugu [3] and Bennu [4], returned by JAXA’s Hayabusa2 and NASA’s OSIRIS-REx missions, respectively. Apatite in these primitive solids is found as individual grains or mineral clusters and has been inferred to form from the hydrothermal sequence during cooling of their respective parent body or bodies. To better understand the formation history and reworking of these early phosphates we have undertaken a highly coordinated study of phosphate microstructures, geochemistry and U/Pb geochronology from a suite of CI meteorites and carbonaceous asteroid samples. These data have identified novel phosphate microstructures and complex relationships across a suite of apatite grains from the early solar system, indicating multiple episodes of growth and modification on the CI parent body(ies). Methods: Samples of CI chondrites, Alais, Ivuna, Orgueil, Oued Chebeika 002, Yamato (Y) 82162, Y980115, Y980134, and two chips of Hayabusa2 Ryugu particles (A0262 and C0263) have been acquired for analysis. The bulk texture of the samples were first scanned by X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) using the Nikon XT H 320 within the XFACT facility at NASA JSC or the Xradia 620 Versa at the UTCT facility. Based on the identification of petrofabrics or features of interest from the XCT data, samples were chipped, oriented, potted in epoxy and thick sections were prepared. After anhydrously polishing the samples with silicon carbide and dry diamond powder down to 1 µm, the samples were ion polished using a Hitachi ArBlade. Energy dispersive Xray spectrometry (EDS) maps were collected to ID phosphates of interest using a JEOL 7900F SEM. The internal microstructures of identified phosphates were then mapped by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) using the JEOL 7900F. Based on the EDS and EBSD data, domains of interest were targeted for quantitative chemical analyses using a JEOL 8530 EPMA. Subsequently, in situ U-Pb and 207 Pb/ 206 Pb ages will be collected using a Cameca ims1290 secondary ion mass spectrometer at UCLA across a range of microstructures. Results: Apatite grains are ubiquitous throughout the CI chondrites and carbonaceous asteroid materials, found as individual grains, disseminated clusters or grain aggregates. Apatite grains are associated with serpentine, magnet-ite, and/or carbonate. Of particular interest, we have identified individual and aggregate polycrystalline grains ex-hibiting an internal ‘honeycomb’ texture (Fig. 1). Some of these grains appear overprinted by subsequent alteration while others remain unaltered. Apatite halogen sites are dominated by the missing component, assumed to be OH, and F, comparable to published values from Bennu, Ryugu and CM-chondrites [3-5]. However, the Yamato CI-like meteorites show a broader range of Cl values, and one grain from Alais is dominated by CL. Summary: Apatite growth features indicate a protracted and complex growth history, consistent with precipitation from an evolving fluid system. The ‘honeycomb’ texture identified in some CI meteorites is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of such a microstructure in meteoritic phosphate. The microtextures and zoning will guide subsequent age analyses, to better constrain the formation and reworking of phosphate in CI(-like) materials. Acknowledgments: We thank the National Institute of Polar Research, Japan for samples of Y82162, 980115 and 980134 meteorites, ASU’s Buseck Center for Meteorite Studies for samples of Ivuna and Alais meteorites, and JAXA curation for chips of Ryugu material. This work was funded by NASA ROSES LARS grant 24-LARS24-0014. References: [1] Morlok et al., 2016, GCA 70:5371-5394. [2] Alfin g et al., 2019, Geochemistry 79:125532. [3] Nakamura et al. (2022) Science 379:1-15. [4] Seifert et al. (2026) MAPS 61:504-521. [5] Piralla et al. (2021) MAPS 56:809-828.

CI chondrites↗

Influence of Feed Rate on Microstructure and Hardness of Conventionally Spun-formed Al 6061-O Plate

The effect of feed rate on the hardness and microstructure of a 7.35-mm-thick section from a spin-formed Al 6061 cylinder is investigated via microhardness mapping and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis. The through-thickness hardness and microtexture profiles, corresponding to a true thickness strain of ≈ 0.3, are utilized to evaluate microstructural variations that could influence mechanical anisotropy and spin formability. The microhardness data reveal distinct gradients from the outer to the inner mold line that vary with feed rate and may be a function of the level of forming strain in the material. The microtextural mapping data expose a minor influence from feed rate, but contain trends through the material cross-section that suggest variations in the location-dependent stress states. The results demonstrate for the first time that the relationship between spin forming deformation and hardness or texture variations can be exploited to optimize processing parameters and mechanical response.

Spin forming↗

Influence of Feed Rate on Microstructure and Hardness of Conventionally Spun-formed Al 6061-O Plate

The effect of feed rate on the mechanical properties and microstructure of a 7.35-mm-thick section from a spin-formed Al 6061 cylinder is investigated via microhardness mapping and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis. The through-thickness hardness and microtexture profiles, corresponding to a true thickness strain of ≈ 0.3, are utilized to evaluate microstructural variations that could influence mechanical anisotropy and spin formability. The microhardness data reveal distinct gradients from the outer to the inner mold line that vary with feed rate and may be a function of the level of forming strain in the material. The microtextural mapping data expose a minor influence from feed rate, but contain trends through the material cross-section that suggest variations in the location-dependent stress states. The results demonstrate for the first time that the relationship between spin forming deformation and hardness or texture variations can be exploited to optimize processing parameters and mechanical response.

Spin forming↗

Acquisition of a High Resolution Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope for the Analysis of Returned Samples

This grant furnished funds to purchase a state-of-the-art scanning electron microscope (SEM) to support our analytical facilities for extraterrestrial samples. After evaluating several instruments, we purchased a JEOL 6500F thermal field emission SEM with the following analytical accessories: EDAX energy-dispersive x-ray analysis system with fully automated control of instrument and sample stage; EDAX LEXS wavelength-dispersive x-ray spectrometer for high sensitivity light-element analysis; EDAX/TSL electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) system with software for phase identification and crystal orientation mapping; Robinson backscatter electron detector; and an in situ micro-manipulator (Kleindiek). The total price was $550,000 (with $150,000 of the purchase supported by Carnegie institution matching funds). The microscope was delivered in October 2002, and most of the analytical accessories were installed by January 2003. With the exception of the wavelength spectrometer (which has been undergoing design changes) everything is working well and the SEM is in routine use in our laboratory.

Nittler, Larry R.↗

Investigating the Effects of Pin Tool Design on Friction Stir Welded Ti-6Al-4V

Friction stir welding (FSWing), a solid state joining technique, uses a non-consumable rotating pin tool to thermomechanically join materials. Heating of the weldment caused by friction and deformation is a function of the interaction between the pin tool and the work piece. Therefore, the geometry of the pin tool is in part responsible for the resulting microstructure and mechanical properties. In this study microwave sintered tungsten carbide (WC) pin tools with tapers and flats were used to FSW Ti-6Al-4V. Transverse sections of welds were mechanically tested, and the microstructure was characterized using optical microscopy (OM) and scanning election microscopy (SEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron back-scatter diffraction (EBSD) were used to characterize the texture within the welds produced from the different pin tool designs.

Rubisoff, H. A.↗

Modern Material Analysis Instruments Add a New Dimension to Materials Characterization and Failure Analysis

Modern analytical tools can yield invaluable results during materials characterization and failure analysis. Scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) provide significant analytical capabilities, including angstrom-level resolution. These systems can be equipped with a silicon drift detector (SDD) for very fast yet precise analytical mapping of phases, as well as electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) units to map grain orientations, chambers that admit large samples, variable pressure for wet samples, and quantitative analysis software to examine phases. Advanced solid-state electronics have also improved surface and bulk analysis instruments: Secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) can quantitatively determine and map light elements such as hydrogen, lithium, and boron - with their isotopes. Its high sensitivity detects impurities at parts per billion (ppb) levels. X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy (XPS) can determine oxidation states of elements, as well as identifying polymers and measuring film thicknesses on coated composites. This technique is also known as electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA). Scanning Auger electron spectroscopy (SAM) combines surface sensitivity, spatial lateral resolution (10 nm), and depth profiling capabilities to describe elemental compositions of near and below surface regions down to the chemical state of an atom.

Panda, Binayak↗

A CAI in the Ivuna CI1 Chondrite

We have recently discovered the first well-preserved calcium aluminum-rich inclusion (CAI) in a CI1 chondrite (Ivuna). Previously, all CI1 chondrites were thought to be devoid of preserved CAI and chondrules due to the near total aqueous alteration to which their parent body (bodies) have been subjected. The CAI is roughly spherical, but with a slight teardrop geometry and a maximum diameter of 170 microns (fig. 1). It lacks any Wark-Lovering Rim. Incipient aqueous alteration, and probably shock, have rendered large portions of the CAI poorly crystalline. It is extremely fine-grained, with only a few grains exceeding 10 microns. We have performed electron microprobe analyses (EPMA), FEG-SEM imaging and element mapping, as well as electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) and synchrotron X-ray diffraction (SXRD) in order to determine the fundamental characteristics of this apparently unique object.

Frank, David R.↗

The Shock State of Itokawa Sample

One of the fundamental aspects of any astromaterial is its shock history, since this factor elucidates critical historical events, and also because shock metamorphism can alter primary mineralogical and petrographic features, and reset chronologies [1]. Failure to take shock history into proper account during characterization can result in seriously incorrect conclusions being drawn. Thus the Hayabusa Preliminary Examination Team (HASPET) made shock stage determination of the Itokawa samples a primary goal [2]. However, we faced several difficulties in this particular research. The shock state of ordinary chondrite materials is generally determined by simple optical petrographic observation of standard thin sections. The Itokawa samples available to the analysis team were mounted into plastic blocks, were polished on only one side, and were of non-standard and greatly varying thickness, all of which significantly complicated petrographic analysis but did not prevent it. We made an additional estimation of the sample shock state by a new technique for this analysis - electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) in addition to standard petrographic techniques. We are also investigating the crystallinity of Itokawa olivine by Synchrotron X-ray diffraction (SXRD).

Zolensky, Michael↗