Development of 3D elemental, structural and isotopic microanalysis techniques for the study of unique meteoritic materials

This project aims at the development and application of high-end methods for elemental/structural/isotopic micro/nano-analysis making use of laboratory and synchrotron based X-ray imaging methodologies in conjunction with laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The methods developed will be deployed for three-dimensional (3D) morphological, chemical and isotopic characterization of rare meteoritic materials. This approach will expand the capabilities for chemical/structural imaging with (sub)micron resolution available at UGent.