Titanite (sphene)

Images and spectra of a flat plate crystal of titanite (sphene) with a maximum dimension of 17mm. These are quite difficult spectra to obtain since the absorption lines seen in transmission (orange line) are very weak and the fluorescence (purple line) is very faint.
The absorption lines between 730 and 830 nm are due to neodymium (Nd^3+) while the line at 972nm is due to samarium (Sm^3+).
The strongest fluorescent emission lines are due to Sm^3+ with others possibly due to europium (Eu^3+) and chromium.(Cr^3+)
The two images at the bottom are of opposite sides of the plate crystal and taken with a linear polariser at an angle that minimises the transmission and deepens the colour.


Flickr page for this photo.

Visit the Eye for Science Flickr group.

Get the "Eye for Science" widget here and install it on your own blog. Spread the scienticity!

Like this image? Want it for your smartphone wallpaper?
Use this QR Code to load it on your smartphone and enjoy!