Ge 214, Spectroscopy of Minerals

Outline of intended topics

(tentative plans for Spring, 2011)

Grand Overview of the Electromagnetic Spectrum

The use of the spectrum in Geosciences
Electromagnetic Theory

Introduction to electronic spectra

The origin of electronic spectra
Ti³⁺ as an example of a one valence-electron (d¹) system
Examples of lunar and meteorite samples
V³⁺ and 2-electron systems
The difference between states and orbitals
Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺
Spin-allowed vs spin-forbidden bands
Beer's law and intensities
Tetrahedral sites
Intervalance charge transfer
Examples of real data

Mössbauer Spectra

The Mössbauer effect and the oxidation states of iron

Vibrational Spectroscopy

The OH ion and water molecule as examples of vibrational systems.
Phase identification via infrared and Raman spectroscopy
Effects of low symmetry on SiO₄ vibrations
Overtone and combination modes.
Remote sensing applications

NMR spectrosopy

The NMR experiment
Proton NMR
Applications to 6-coordinated silicon in minerals

X-ray spectroscopy

Inner shell spectra
Absorption edge spectroscopy
Extended fine structure on the absorption edge
Example applications

(Time allowing, we may get to the following)

Luminescence

Concepts
Examples of chemical complexity

Radiation-induced color centers

Examples