Abstract
A monochromated (scanning) transmission electron microscope was used to analyze individual sub-micron grains within interplanetary dust particles (IDP). Using low-loss and core-loss electron energy-loss spectroscopy, we analyzed fluid and gas inclusions within vesiculated alumosilicate grains. It is shown that nanometer-sized vesicles contain predominantly molecular oxygen (O 2) beside a small fraction of H 2O. Low-loss spectra reveal the Schumann–Runge continuum peaking at 8.6 eV and absorption bands reflecting vibrational excitation states of O 2 molecules between the first (12.1 eV) and second (16.1 eV) ionization energy. The presence of oxygen gas is supported by the corresponding oxygen K-edge fine structure. The valence state of Fe in iron-oxide within the IDP was also studied. Low-loss spectra provide qualitative information about the oxidation state of iron consistent with the Fe 2+/Fe 3+ ratio quantitatively derived from the Fe L 2,3 edge.
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