Itrax Core Scanner
The Itrax Core Scanner in the UCD School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Policy was acquired as part of the HEA 2007 Equipment Renewal Grant allocation. It is housed in a specially constructed laboratory in the Newman Building in Belfield. The facility is unique in Ireland and currently one of only a handful in NW Europe. The scanner offers state-of-the-art analytical precision and speed, with determination of chemical composition of entire core sections in a matter of hours. Analysis can be conducted on split cores, u-channels and slab sections over a range of dimensions, up to 180 cm in length and 12 cm in diameter. Core scanning analysis is based on the integration of three sensors that have the potential to reveal hidden linkages between sample colour, structure and chemical composition.
Optical imaging
The core scanner collects digital photos of the sample surface prior to the radiographic/XRF scan. The maximum resolution of these photos is 100 microns (254 dpi). The RGB colour images of the sample surface can be aligned with X-radiography and XRF profiles.
X-radiographic imaging
X-radiographic analysis is conducted using a line camera and high precision slit system, comprising an array of 1024 diodes. Advanced flat-beam optics enables the acquisition of highly resolved (high contrast and sensitivity) X-ray images, up to 20 µm image resolution.
X-ray fluorescence analysis
XRF analysis is carried out using a Si drift detector and digital multi-channel analyzer. The unique detector set-up allows for the handling of high count rates (up to 200,000 cps), and provides sensitivity at relatively low exposure times (typically 10 to 30 sec). The scan resolution can be optimized up to 100 µm intervals, and each scan provides core elemental profiles in the range Al – U depending on sample composition.
Applications
Analysis can be carried out on sediment and soil cores, peat, speleothem, wood and rock samples, and suitable archaeological artefacts. The suit of core scanner tools is applicable to a range of environmental applications:
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Palaeoclimate reconstruction in marine and lacustrine environments
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Constructing inter-core correlations and event stratigraphies
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Determining past erosion intensity
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High resolution analysis of laminated sediments, including varve counting
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Rapid detection of volcanic tephra layers in lake sediments
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Detecting metal pollutants (Pb, Zn, Cu) in lake and fluvial sediments
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Development of proxies for sediment physical properties such as particle size
Information and Cost
For questions about the core scanner and information about cost for a particular project please email info.corescanner@ucd.ie and a staff member will reply to you enquiry.