Hi Probe Hive-mind,
I have a question about obtaining density from probe/SEM data.
We've been doing large grids of analyses using Probe Software and the Thermo EDS system (Pathfinder), in order to try and determine the bulk composition of some meteorites. In order to get at the true bulk composition, we need to know the density of each phase, in addition to its chemistry. Whereas olivine/sulfide/metal grains are easy - the densities for different compositions have already been determined - the meteorite matrix is made up of clay-like stuff, and the density of this material is not known.
Does anyone out there know of any method that can take the EDS spectra that we have collected, and, using the chemistry, calculate the density? I have heard of methods of using the EDS background to determine density, but I am not sure of how to do this in practice.
As always, any help is greatly appreciated.
Em