Publication Name: Australasian Exploration Geoscience Conference 2018
Authors: Dane Burkett
Date Published: February 2018
Number of Pages: 4
Abstract:
X-ray diffraction (XRD) is a well-established technique in the earth sciences as it can be used to identify and quantify minerals and is particularly useful for fine-grained sedimentary rocks. Due to the capital cost, environmental requirements and significant sample preparation, XRD instruments are generally confined to laboratories. Recent advances in XRD sample holders and X-ray sources have allowed for the development of portable XRD (pXRD) devices where the sample preparation is simpler and does not require regular calibrations by a technical expert. This technology was initially developed by NASA for the Mars Science Laboratory rover Curiosity, to perform mineralogical analysis of the Martian surface.