X-Ray Systems

MICA / ISRA / ISGA

Prototype "up close and personal" with unprepared sample (Rock)

The Mineral Identification & Composition Analyzer (MICA) is a triple threat measurement system. It combines X-Ray Diffraction, X-Ray Fluorescence, and “micro”-Imaging capability in a compact package, a complete laboratory in miniature. Our X-Ray instrument provides these analyses without the need for sample handling and preparation typical of traditional X-Ray analysis devices. MICA was originally for application on Mars Planetary Missions. Other “application specific” variants of MICA have come along as a result, the In-Situ Resource Analyzer (ISRA) and the In-Situ Geologic Analyzer (ISGA). ISRA was developed with an eye toward In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) concepts while, as the name implies, ISGA has the “geologist” in mind. 

Prototype in testing at NASA/AMES (K-9 Rover)

MICA / ISRA / ISGA - DATA ACQUISITION

DATA ACQUISITION

Grain size analysis of rock surface
The Only Instrument that Provides
SIMULTANEOUS DATA ACQUISITION:
  • X-RAY DIFFRACTION
  • X-RAY FLOURESCENCE
  • MICRO OPTICAL IMAGERY
 
Optical image of desert varnish with X-ray
footprint indicated
Al2O3 calibration analysis with MICA prototype shows excellent correlation between MICA measured diffraction pattern and JCPDS standard.

 

Al2O3 XRD arcs showing locus of full energy (8.05 keV Cu K-alpha) collected by binning of full energy x-rays.
“Desert varnish” XRF spectrum

MIA

The N-Science effort in the development of X-Ray instruments like MICA pushed the state of the art in simplification and design of mechanisms and compaction of systems and electronics. N-Science continues to push the envelope and these same boundaries in work on a new x-ray analyzer. Miniature In-situ Analyzer (MIA) is the new, evolutionary step and result. MIA will include new “options” and combinations of data sets available.

MIA is “proprietary” at this time.

MIA is “patent pending”.

We will release more information on the site as it becomes available.

Stay tuned...MORE TO COME.