Research facilities supported and routinely used by the Mineral Physics Institute include the High Pressure Laboratory
at Stony Brook University, a High Pressure facility at the National Synchrotron Light Source at Brookhaven National Laboratory on Long
Island, and contributions to a similar facility at the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory, near Chicago. Acoustic
measurements using ultrasonic interferometry are conducted at all three of the above locations, as well as in benchtop acoustic experiments
in the Ultrasonics Laboratory at Stony Brook University. In addition to these facilities, MPI also makes use of the Microprobe and X-ray
Crystallography Laboratories in the Department of Geosciences at Stony Brook University. Overviews of each of these individual facilities
can be found below, along with links to their own respective pages for more information.
The X-Ray Diffraction Laboratory in the Department of Geosciences at Stony Brook University is one of the best-equipped laboratories in the
country for mineralogical crystallography. The open-access Integrated X-ray Scattering (InXS) user facility for powder and single crystal
X-ray diffraction (XRD) is often the starting point for initial characterization of materials and in situ studies. Ongoing projects include
research in low temperature geochemistry, mineralogy, mineral physics, nano-science, new materials and materials chemistry, environmental
molecular science and planetary research. At least 10 research groups regularly use InXS, either to provide publishable data, or as set-up
for work at national and international laboratories hosting X-ray synchrotron and neuron facilities. Increasingly, users need to perform in
situ work at variable temperature (T) and to examine materials using a combination of wide angle and small angle X-ray scattering
(WAXS/SAXS). The operation of this laboratory is overseen by Professor John Parise with the assistance of MPI Instructional Support
Specialist Kenneth Baldwin.
In 1985, the High Pressure Laboratory was established with an Instrumentation and Facilities grant from the NSF Division of Earth Sciences
which supported the acquisition of three multi-anvil, large-volume, high-pressure apparatuses. The first one (the Sumitomo) is designed for
synthesis experiments to 30 GPa and 3000 K. Another was intended for in situ X-ray diffraction studies to 15 GPa and 2000 K; this is the
so-called SAM85 Press that is now located at Beamline X17B2 at the National Synchrotron Light Source. The third multi-anvil apparatus is
for ultrasonic measurements (the Kennedy Press). These devices are distinguished by their large sample volumes and by the ability to adjust
and control the temperature and stress environment surrounding the sample. The Sumitomo and Kennedy Presses are housed in a 2000 sq. ft.
building renovated by the university and located just behind the Earth and Space Sciences building, and are currently supported by Stony
Brook University through its support for MPI. This laboratory is overseen by Research Associate Professor Baosheng Li.
The electron microprobe analyzer housed in the Department of Geosciences is a fully automated Cameca Camebax micro-analyzer. The system
includes four wavelength-dispersive spectrometers interfaced with a Macintosh computer and an energy-dispersive spectrometer. The system
also allows for X-ray mapping using special photographic film. The microprobe setup contains a petrographic microscope and a television
monitor that allows visualization of the surface of the sample inside the microprobe. The laboratory contains a sample preparation station
that allows for carbon coating of samples and proper mounting for the microprobe stage. Its operation is overseen by Distinguished Professor
Emeritus Donald Lindsley.
The Mineral Physics Institute supports a laboratory for making acoustic measurements on polycrystalline samples using ultrasonic
interferometry. We have a facility in the High Pressure Laboratory at Stony Brook University for making such measurements inside a
Walker-type multi-anvil press at pressures up to 15 GPa. We support a similar, but smaller facility at the NSLS which uses X-ray diffraction
for simultaneous measurement of pressure using diffraction standards. We also make use of another similar facility at the APS. In addition
to high pressure experiments, we have also developed techniques for conducting benchtop acoustic experiments under ambient conditions. Using
these facilities, we are able to extend the pressure and temperature (P-T) over which this experimental technique can be employed, as well
as increase the accuracy of measurements taken in these experiments. The Ultrasonics Laboratory is overseen by Research Associate Professor
Baosheng Li.
The Mineral Physics Institute has been at the forefront of developing techniques for using Synchrotron radiation in conducting
in
situ high pressure and high temperature experiments. Currently, the research conducted by members of MPI routinely makes use of
Synchrotron facilities at both the National Syncrotron Light Source at Brookhaven Nation Lab in Upton, NY, and the Advanced Photon Source
at Argonne National Laboratory in Argonne, IL (outside of Chicago). Both of these facilities have beamlines with equipment specifically
designed for conducting a variety of high pressure/temperature experiments including both large-volume multi-anvil apparatuses and
small-volume Diamond Anvil Cells.
All of the Mineral Physics Institute's research facilities are supported by the Electronics and Machine R & D shops in the Department of
Geociences. These facilities help to create not only some of the parts employed in some high pressure experiments, but also some of the
equipment for these experiments. These shops have two permanent, full-time electronics engineers and three permanent, full-time machinists
respectively, with complete facilities for the design and fabrication of prototype electronics and mechanical devices.
Page Last Modified August 22, 2007