Thin Section Lab on Fo'c's'le Deck
Overview
The Thin Section lab contains equipment for sample preparation of lithified and nonlithified materials for microscopy and microanalytical analysis (e.g. SEM-EDS). Thin section lab technicians are equipped to prepare core material in a wide variety of preparations, including but not limited to thin sections, polished thin sections, and grain mounts. Protocols for thin section creation vary based on material, and can be performed by hand (Buehler MetaServ 250) or through a largely automated process (Logitech LP-50 lapping machine).
Instruments
- Buehler Petrothin thin section cutting blade and cup wheel
- Logitech LP-50 lapping machine
- Logitech PM-5 precision polishing and lapping machine
- Beuhler MetaServ 250 grinder/polisher
- Kemet Kemvac vacuum impregnator
- Zeiss petrographic microscope
Thin Section Requests
Petrography References
JOIDES Resolution shipboard library (ship intranet link)
Sample Preparation References
A Manual of Practical Laboratory and Field Techniques in Palaeobiology.pdf
The preparation of thin sections and polished sections..pdf
X400 Reducing Resin Viscosity by Solvent.pdf
Manuals
Flattening Thin Section Billets
Bonding Billets to Frosted Slide
Cutting Billets with PetroThin
How Disassemble the Logitech Jigs
Carbonate Staining with Alizarin Red S
Dickson 1965 Nature Carbonate staining for thin sections
Alternate Methods for making thin sections