Department of Geosciences
MTDXRF Laboratory
The Middle Tennessee State University Department of Geosciences an X-ray fluorescence laboratory which is available for academic, government, and private industry uses. The laboratory utilizes an Oxford Instruments MDX 1080+ multi-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (MDXRF) spectrometer, acquired in Spring 2000, with grant monies provided by the National Science Foundation Division of Undergraduate Education.
MDXRF is an elemental analysis method that combines classical techniques of wavelength dispersive and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence, allowing high performance measurements to be made on low to high atomic number elements (Alumina to Uranium) in a variety of sample types. The MDX 1080+ is equipped for multi-elemental semi-quantitative (standardless) and quantitative analysis of both solids and liquids. Applications for MDXRF include materials such as cement, rock, minerals, soils, plastics, glass, metals and ceramics.
An important goal of the MTSU XRF laboratory is to provide undergraduate students the opportunity to participate in geochemical sample preparation and analysis. Accordingly, most sample preparations and analyses are performed by MTSU undergraduate students under the supervision of Department of Geosciences faculty. Visiting undergraduate and graduate students from other colleges and universities are welcome to use the sample preparation and MDXRF laboratory facilities. Although the lab does impose modest charges to cover sample preparation and analysis expenses, costs are considerably lower than those charged by commercial analytical laboratories.
In addition to analysis of naturally occurring earth materials (e.g. minerals, rocks, soils), the lab especially welcomes academic users interested in application of X-ray fluorescence technology to problems in cultural geography, archeology, and anthropology. Students in the social sciences are encouraged to use the laboratory to explore ways in which MDXRF analysis can be used to solve research problems within their own academic fields of interest.
Laboratory Facilities
Oxford Instruments MDX 1080+ Specifications
| Analysis Method: | Multi-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence |
| Element Range: | Alumina to Uranium |
| Concentration Range: | ppm to 100% |
| Sample Form: | Solids, Liquids, Powders, Glasses, Granules |
| X-Ray Detection: | |
| Fixed Channels: | Na, Mg, P, Ba, Rb, Y, Nb, K, Ca (Quantitative Analysis) |
| Flexi-Channel: | Al to U (Quantitative and Semi-Quantitative Analysis) |
| X-Ray Excitation: | Medium Power 200W, 40/50 kV End Window Rh X-Ray Tube |
| Sample Preparation: | Pulverizing, Pelletizing, Fusion |
For additional information regarding MTSU MDXRF laboratory capabilities and analytical costs, please contact Dr. Warner Cribb.
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Faculty Spotlight
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Alan Brown:
"I did not start out in college thinking I would be a Geology major. In fact, I had little idea what a Geologist even was. It was my first class in Geology that ignited my love of Geology and Paleontology. I had a strong interest in Paleontology while in school but decided to focus instead on environmental geology because the job market was much better. After getting my Master’s degree I worked as an environmental consultant for 7 years.
Then, in 2005, I was hired as an instructor at Middle Tennessee State University. Once I started at MTSU my interest in Paleontology was rekindled. In the summer of 2009, I was invited to go on a dinosaur dig in Montana and I have returned to Montana to dig up dinosaurs every summer since. I volunteered at two museums in the area but they both closed. I then got together with a small group, and we decided to start a new museum. This museum is Earth Experience the Middle Tennessee Museum of Natural History in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, which opened in 2014. It is my passion and takes almost all my free time."
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Contact Us
Mail address:
MTSU - Dept. of Geosciences
MTSU PO Box 9
Davis Science Building 241
Murfreesboro, TN 37132
Dr. Todd Moore, Department Chair
615-898-2379
615-898-2726