Applications of confocal macroscope-microscope luminescence imaging to sediment cores

Abstract

AbstractWe demonstrate the successful application of a novel, confocal scanning laser macroscope-microscope (cslM/m) system for non-invasive imaging of samples taken from lake and ocean sediment cores. Advantages of the macroscope-microscope system over other macroscopic luminescence imaging techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy-based cathodoluminescence and scanning-stage laser imaging, are highlighted and the implications for new core analysis techniques are explored.The macroscope-microscope can image specimens ranging from 25 × 25 μm up to 7.5 × 7.5 cm in under 10 s using reflected light or photoluminescence as contrast mechanisms. Macroscope mode is used to rapidly survey the specimen and provide a photoluminescence ‘roadmap’. Microscope mode is used to provide ultra-high-resolution images of microfossils or areas of interest. Laser scanning is non-invasive and does not require any preparation of the specimen. Photoluminescence and fluorescence imaging results are shown for an entire core section recovered from Lake Huron by the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC). Photoluminescence images are shown for Ocean Drilling Program samples of a diatom mat and a radiolarian microfossil within the sample, a laminated interval of sediment from the Santa Barbara Basin (Site 893) and specimens from the Scotian Shelf (collected by the GSC).