Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/B505889/1
Extreme (UV to far red) vibrational spectroscopy: A state-of-the-art instrument for the study of the microscopic dynamics of Earth materials.
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor AP Jephcoat, University of Oxford, Earth Sciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Dr AK Kleppe, Diamond Light Source, Science Division
- Grant held at:
- University of Oxford, Earth Sciences
- Science Area:
- Earth
- Overall Classification:
- Earth
- ENRIs:
- Global Change
- Environmental Risks and Hazards
- Science Topics:
- Planetary science
- Palaeobiology
- Properties Of Earth Materials
- Mantle & Core Processes
- Technol. for Environ. Appl.
- Abstract:
- High-pressure micro-Raman spectroscopy is sensitive to subtle changes in both local and long-range symmetry and one of the foremost non-destructive spectroscopic techniques to probe changes in mineral structures and bonding (in-situ) at the high-pressures and/or high temperatures of the Earth's mantle and core. These extreme conditions are created in the laboratory in the diamond-anvil cell and can access pressures over 1 million atmospheres (100 GPa) and temperatures up to 6000 K (sun's surface temperature). Raman techniques have evolved significantly over the last decade, and we propose here to establish a new spectrometer and detector that has sufficient accuracy, resolution, spectral range and versatility to make many types of light-scattering measurement from a variety of sample environments with a single instrument. We will predominantly apply the instrument to the development of new areas of high pressure and temperature science of the deep Earth. In particular, we will interlace the instrument with our existing apparatus for generating samples at both low and high temperatures, and high pressure. in order to understand the lattice dynamics of phase transitions in deep-Earth materials. We also aim to use it to investigate and determine a new pressure scale, and assess the viability of establishing a new, absolute method to assess temperature in the diamond anvil cell - these primary and secondary scales could revolutionize measurement techniques at an international level. The instrument will enable a range of studies, including the study of weak vibrational modes from deep-Earth minerals where natural fluorescence obscures their presence - such as trace quantities of H20 and OH. The extreme spectral range of the instrument - particularly the UV at high temperature and the far red end of the visible spectrum - is essential for these developments.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/B505889/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Capital Equipment Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Capital Equipment
This grant award has a total value of £239,090
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Staff | Total - Indirect Costs | Total - Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| £7,740 | £3,561 | £227,789 |
If you need further help, please read the user guide.