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Updated: Oct 3, 2025
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Atom Probe Tomography Analysis of Exsolved Mineral Phases
Published on: October 25, 2019
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Atom Probe Tomography Analysis of Mica
Chiara Cappelli1, Alberto Pérez-Huerta1,2, Sardar B Alam3
1Department of Geological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL35487, USA.
Summary
Laser-assisted atom probe tomography (APT) challenges anisotropic mineral analysis. This study shows crystallographic orientation significantly impacts mica composition and structure estimation using APT.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Laser-assisted atom probe tomography (APT) offers sub-nanometric mineral analysis.
- Anisotropic minerals, like phyllosilicates, present challenges for APT due to complex laser-crystal interactions.
- Micas are important nonswelling clay minerals with diverse applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze a Mg-rich biotite using APT.
- To investigate the influence of crystallographic orientation on mica chemical composition and structure.
- To assess the challenges of APT analysis for nonisotropic minerals.
Main Methods:
- Laser-assisted atom probe tomography (APT).
- Analysis of Mg-rich biotite specimens.
- Comparison of results from (001) and (hk0) oriented surfaces.
Main Results:
- Crystallographic orientation significantly affects APT data interpretation for micas.
- Differences in results highlight the impact of experimental parameters and crystal structure.
- Preliminary data demonstrates APT's potential for nonisotropic mineral analysis.
Conclusions:
- Mica's anisotropy strongly influences field evaporation and APT data interpretation.
- Experimental parameters and crystallography are crucial for accurate APT analysis of micas.
- This study paves the way for advanced APT applications in mica and clay mineral research.
