Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026

10:20
Evaluation of Photosynthetic Behaviors by Simultaneous Measurements of Leaf Reflectance and Chlorophyll Fluorescence Analyses
Published on: August 9, 2019
Electron-Optical Observations on the agr-Transformation in Troilite
Summary
The transformation from high to low troilite involves a continuous change to a transitional structure, followed by a discontinuous change to the low-temperature form, illustrating metastable behavior.
Area of Science:
- Mineral Physics
- Geochemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Troilite (FeS) exhibits phase transformations relevant to geological and materials science.
- Understanding these transformations is key to interpreting mineral behavior under varying conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanism of the high-to-low troilite transformation.
- To characterize the nature of the intermediate phase and its formation pathway.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution microscopy and diffraction techniques were employed.
- Thermodynamic and kinetic analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- The transformation proceeds through a distinct transitional structure.
- The transition to the intermediate state is continuous, while the final transformation to the low-temperature phase is discontinuous.
- This pathway highlights the potential for impeded nucleation of the low-temperature phase.
Conclusions:
- Troilite exhibits complex phase behavior, including continuous and discontinuous transformations.
- Metastable states are achievable in the troilite system due to nucleation barriers.
- The findings provide insights into the behavior of iron sulfides in diverse environments.
Related Concept Videos
Light Acquisition
In order to produce glucose, plants need to capture sufficient light energy. Many modern plants have evolved leaves specialized for light acquisition. Leaves can be only millimeters in width or tens of meters wide, depending on the environment. Due to competition for sunlight, evolution has driven the evolution of increasingly larger leaves and taller plants, to avoid shading by their neighbors with contaminant elaboration of root architecture and mechanisms to transport water and nutrients.
Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
Like all living organisms, plants require organic and inorganic nutrients to survive, reproduce, grow and maintain homeostasis. To identify nutrients that are essential for plant functioning, researchers have leveraged a technique called hydroponics. In hydroponic culture systems, plants are grown—without soil—in water-based solutions containing nutrients. At least 17 nutrients have been identified as essential elements required by plants. Plants acquire these elements from the atmosphere, the...
Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy
Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy or TIRF is an advanced microscopic technique used to visualize fluorophores in samples close to a solid surface with a higher refractive index, such as a glass coverslip. TIRF only allows fluorophores in proximity to the solid surface to be excited. When light from a medium with a lower refractive index (such as air) hits the glass coverslip at a critical angle, the light undergoes total internal reflection stead of passing through the glass.

