Cathodoluminescence imaging is an ideal tool for studying geological samples and to get an additional contrast and spectroscopic information down to the resolution of a scanning electron microscope. The SPARC is a high-performance cathodoluminescence detection system that is designed and produced by Delmic. With this system, Delmic offers a unique solution for cathodoluminescence imaging, especially geology application. With this presentation, you can get an insight into different aspects of cathodoluminescence on the topic. For questions about cathodoluminescence and the SPARC, please leave a comment below or visit www.delmic.com and send us a message. If you would like to download more application notes about cathodoluminescence in geosciences, please find them at this link: http://www.delmic.com/geology

1. Integration without compromise
Cathodoluminescence in Geosciences
Geology

2. Cathodoluminescence in Geosciences
• In geosciences, cathodoluminescence is widely used for mineralogical and petrological investigation
• Cathodoluminescence imaging is a fast, high resolution analytical technique that provides unique insights in
geology
• It provides additional contrast and spectroscopic information at scanning electron microscope resolution
• It is not only important for understanding the composition of various materials in a site, but also the
changes that have occurred over time

3. How It Works
When a sample is bombarded by fast electrons, the material
becomes excited and as it returns to a ground state, it
luminesces in various colors. These colours
reveal information about the composition of the sample.
This data can be collected with nanoscale resolution and can
reveal contrasts that cannot be observed with any other
optical microscopy technique.

4. Geological Applications
Fundamental
research
Sedimentary
Metamorphic
Igneous rocks
Applied
studies
Ores
Precious gems
Reservoir rocks
Construction materials

5. Relevance of Cathodoluminescence for petrology
Features:
• Additional contrast in imaging
• Fast image collection
• Mineral identification
• Provenance analysis
• Zonation in crystals
• Detection of trace elements
• Combination with EBS and EDX
Literature reviews:
D. K. Richter et al. Progress in application of
cathodoluminescence (CL) in sedimentary petrology (2003)
S. Boggs and D. Krinsley, Application of
cathodoluminescence imaging to the study of sedimentary
rocks (2006) (Book)
M. Pagel, et al., Cathodoluminescence in Geosciences
(2000) (Book)

6. Sandstone

7. Spectral Imaging
Hyperspectral imaging provides
complete information on the
cathodoluminescence emission

8. Wavelength filtered imaging
Wavelength filtering provides additional contrast in CL PMT images

9. Carbonates
• Smaller features
• Less light

10. Carbonate spectra
• Strong UV emission
• Inclusions of non-carbonate material which can be identified through different spectra

11. Imaging zonation in zircons
• Geological clocks
• Identify different growth regions
• Regions of interest for nano-SIMS and quantative isotope analysis
Samples courtesy of Prof. Jens Jahren (University of Oslo)

12. Cathodoluminescence Detector
The SPARC platform
+ High-performance
cathodoluminescence detection
system
+ Modular design allows for addition
of different detectors and
detection paths
+ High-precision alignment stage
gives unprecedented photon yield
and reliability
+ Angle-resolved mode makes new
types of research possible
SPARC cathodoluminescence detection system from Delmic

13. SPARC Design
CL collection CL detection
Cathodoluminescence
collection
Cathodoluminescence
detection
SEM

14. Integration without compromise
DELMIC B.V.
Address: Kanaalweg 4, 2628 EB,
Delft, The Netherlands
Website: www.delmic.com
Telephone: +31 (0)15 744 01 58
Email: info@delmic.com
Please visit Delmic’s website to learn more
about cathodoluminescene in geosciences.