The universal sample holders of microanalytical instruments of FIB, TEM, NanoSIMS, and STXM-NEXAFS for the coordinated analysis of extraterrestrial materials

• Published in: Earth, planets, and space Vol. 72; no. 1; pp. 1 - 11
• Main Authors: Ito, Motoo, Tomioka, Naotaka, Uesugi, Kentaro, Uesugi, Masayuki, Kodama, Yu, Sakurai, Ikuya, Okada, Ikuo, Ohigashi, Takuji, Yuzawa, Hayato, Yamaguchi, Akira, Imae, Naoya, Karouji, Yuzuru, Shirai, Naoki, Yada, Toru, Abe, Masanao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 14.09.2020; Springer; Springer Nature B.V; SpringerOpen
• Subjects: 7. Planetary science; Air pollution; Asteroid ryugu; Atmosphere; Carbonaceous chondrites; Containers; Coordinated analysis; Crystallography; Damage; Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Extraterrestrial materials; Extraterrestrial matter; Fine structure; Functional groups; Geology; Geophysics/Geodesy; Hayabusa2 returned sample; Interstellar matter; Ion beams; Mass spectrometry; Meteorites; Micrometeorites; Oxygen; Sample holders; Sample return missions; Scientific equipment and supplies; Secondary ion mass spectrometry; Spacecraft; Spacecraft contamination; Storage; Terrestrial environments; Universal sample holder; Water vapor; X ray absorption; Japan; Hayabusa2 returned sample; Coordinated analysis; Universal sample holder; Asteroid ryugu
• ISSN: 1880-5981; 1343-8832; 1880-5981
• DOI: 10.1186/s40623-020-01267-2

We developed universal sample holders [the Kochi grid, Kochi clamp, and Okazaki cell) and a transfer vessel (facility-to-facility transfer container (FFTC)] to analyze sensitive and fragile samples, such as extremely small extraterrestrial materials. The holders and container prevent degradation, contamination due to the terrestrial atmosphere (water vapor and oxygen gas) and small particles, as well as mechanical sample damage. The FFTC can isolate the samples from the effects of the atmosphere for more than a week. The Kochi grid and clamp were made for a coordinated micro/nano-analysis that utilizes a focused-ion beam apparatus, transmission electron microscope, and nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry. The Okazaki cell was developed as an additional attachment for a scanning transmission X-ray microscope that uses near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS). These new apparatuses help to minimize possible alterations from the exposure of the samples to air. The coordinated analysis involving these holders was successfully carried out without any sample damage or loss, thereby enabling us to obtain sufficient analytical datasets of textures, crystallography, elemental/isotopic abundances, and molecular functional groups for µm-sized minerals and organics in both the Antarctic micrometeorite and a carbonaceous chondrite. We will apply the coordinated analysis to acquire the complex characteristics in samples obtained by the future spacecraft sample return mission.