Biogeosciences lab
Fourier transform infra-red spectrometer
The Perkin Elmer Spectrum 100 Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectrometer allows functional groups in a sample to be studied. This apparatus can be used to characterize organic or mineral compounds, as solids or in solution. Two system sets are available, the Universal Attenuated Transmitted Reflectance (UATR-FTIR) with a diamond crystal, and a system for KBr pellet analysis in transmission.
Contact: Remy Albrecht
Lab: 1440
UV-Vis fluorescence spectrometer
The Horiba Fluorolog-3 is a fluorescence spectrometer used to obtain an emission-excitation (MEE) matrix. This matrix allows the characterization of organic components present in solution according to their fluorescent properties in the UV and visible domains. Analyses of solid samples are also possible. This instrument is mainly used for analyses of dissolved organic carbon.
Contact: Remy Albrecht
Lab: 1440
Grain sizer
The Malvern Mastersizer 2000 grain sizer uses the principle of laser diffraction to measure particles between 0.01 um and 2 mm. Two modules of dispersion are connected : Hydro 2000S, which allows wet samples to be analysed, and Scirocco 2000, for dry samples. This equipment is used to study soils, sediments, artificial sands, etc.
Contacts: Thierry Adatte; Nathalie Diaz
Lab: 1440
Isotopic CO2 analyzer
The Picarro G1101-i Isotopic CO2 analyzer allows the continuous analysis of the isotopic signature of carbon from CO2, as well as concentrations in H2O, 12CO2 and 13CO2. The technique is based on the principle of laser spectrometry (Wavelength Scanned Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy = WS-CRDS) using the near-infrared to excite gas molecules and measure their spectral signature with very high precision (in the order of ppbv). The advantage of this system is that it can be used in the field to monitor dynamics of gas in the soils or the atmosphere.
Contact: Nathalie Diaz
Lab: 1428
Porosimeter
The mercury porosimeter Micrometrics AutoPore IV 9500 is used to collect information on sample density, as well as on the size, the volume, the surface area and the distribution of pores in a sample. The technique is based on the intrusion of mercury into a porous structure under increasing pressure. Pressure is inversely proportional to the pore size. This porosimeter enables porosity measurements in the range of 0.005 to 360 μm.
Contact: Nathalie Diaz
Lab: 1440
