Optical cathodoluminescence microscopy
Cathodoluminescence microscopy (CL) is an electron-optical technique by which an electron beam irradiates the surface of polished thin sections and causes the excitation of mineral-specific luminescence. By means of CL, we are able to visualize internal textures in crystals, which normally cannot be distinguished in normal light. As a result, additional information about the forming conditions of minerals can be obtained (Hot-cathode Type: HC3-LM, Fa. Simon-Neuser, Bochum).
CL images are recorded with a Peltier-cooled camera system (Kappa DX 40C).
