INGV-RM1 HPHT Microanalysis Laboratory
The INGV-RM1 HPHT Microanalysis Laboratory has recently upgraded its equipment with a cutting-edge Focused Ion Beam-Scanning Electron Microscope (FIB-SEM) and a next-generation Electron Probe Microanalyzer (EPMA), replacing the existing JEOL JSM-6500F FESEM and JEOL JXA-8200 EPMA by late 2024.
- New FIB-SEM: Will offer enhanced resolution, 3D sample exploration, and atomic-scale structural observations with a STEM detector.
- New EPMA: Featuring a LaB6 crystal electron source, five WDS with 12 crystals for precise quantitative elemental analysis, and an EDX spectrometer for targeted area determination.
The lab includes comprehensive sample preparation equipment and supports major to minor element micro-analytical determinations, X-ray chemical mapping, and qualitative and semi-quantitative analyses, making it ideal for environmental pollution studies, hazardous material investigations, and a wide range of natural and synthetic materials analysis.
INGV-OV X-ray Micro-CT Laboratory
The INGV-OV X-ray Micro-CT Laboratory focuses on studying natural phenomena related to volcanic, seismic, and environmental hazards, including quantifying volcanic CO2 emissions. The lab houses a Xradia 410 Versa 3D microscope equipped with a microfocus X-ray source.
- Xradia 410 Versa: Capable of energies from 40 to 150 kV, allowing scans of samples with diverse densities, with spatial resolutions ranging from 55 μm to 0.9 μm and enhanced phase contrast for better imaging of low atomic number materials.
- Software: For 3D digital map visualization, quantitative analysis, and pore-scale numerical simulations for fluid transport properties prediction.
- High-P and T Cell: For in situ experiments simulating mechanical and thermal responses of materials under various conditions, crucial for understanding volcanic and seismic hazards.
The lab provides non-destructive high-resolution imaging and quantification of geomaterial internal structures, offering detailed analysis of voids, grains, and conducting in situ mechanical tests.
Services and Expertise
Both facilities support a wide range of research from geosciences to environmental studies, offering advanced analytical capabilities and expertise to national and international researchers.
INGV-RM1 offers:
- High-resolution imaging and chemical mapping of natural and synthetic materials.
- Expertise in micro-textural imaging and elemental analysis for environmental pollution and hazardous substance studies.
- Comprehensive sample preparation and analysis capabilities.
INGV-OV provides:
- High-resolution 3D imaging of geomaterials.
- Quantification of voids, fractures, and grain characteristics.
- Pore-scale simulations for fluid transport predictions.
- In situ mechanical testing.
Curious to learn more?
Interested in gaining access to the EXCITE2 facilities? Please enter your email address and be one of the first to be informed when we open the first EXCITE2 call for proposals. Other questions? Contact us here.
