The ElMiE Lab is a research-oriented facility and part of the Helmholtz center in Potsdam. The ElMiE – Lab offers the sample preparation and analyses of geological or environmental inorganic samples for element concentrations and mineralogy of inorganic materials. Laboratories and instruments associated with the ElMiE Lab include the XRD, XRF, …

The wavelength dispersive X-Ray fluorescence spectrometer S8 Tiger 4 KW (Bruker) enables the detection of major and trace elements in one run. The chemical composition of rocks, minerals, ore and soil samples, and building materials can be measured in the form of powder tablets and glass beads at the lower ppm-level. Our element spectrum ranges from elements with mass 9 (F) to 92 (U).

A mobile XRF device from Thermoscientific Niton XLt3 is applied to determine major, minor, and trace element contents (K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Pb, Th, U) in solids (non-destructive).

For routine X-Ray fluorescence analysis, powdered sample material is fused to a glass disc. Therefore, the powered samples (grain sizes < 62 µm), as well as two Fluxana-samples are dried at ~100 °C, weighed, and melted on different heaters at temperatures between 400-1150 °C. The melt is then quenched to a glass disc and analyzed. We analyze major elements (wt% oxide) and some trace elements (ppm). Analyses are done with a PANalytical AXIOS Advanced.
The XRF Lab is associated to the [ElMiE …