Fission Tracks Thermochronology


The platform is equipped with a LEICA DLML microscope fitted with an automatic X-Y stage to help determine the age of fission tracks, and a drawing chamber for measuring the length of confined tracks. The laboratory also has the equipment needed to separate apatite crystals (grinder, sieve, densimetric and magnetic separation) and for mounting (polishing).

Principle of analysis :

This technique is based on the progressive erosion of crystalline defects linked to the natural fission of 238U atoms at temperatures between 60 and 110°C. It can be used to determine paleo-temperatures within this range, and to pinpoint the period when these temperatures prevailed.

Analyses carried out on the instrument:

Thermochronology using fission tracks in apatite crystals is a method for reconstructing the thermal history and vertical movements of rocks in the first few kilometers of the crust.