Characterize and observe specific shock-induced features with hyperspectral cathodoluminescence mapping.
When subjected to a shockwave from a meteorite impact event, specific microscopic features can form in minerals such as quartz. Planar deformation features (PDFs) in quartz are an example of a shock-induced feature. PDFs in quartz are considered to be one of the most reliable indicators of impact related shock metamorphism and as quartz is highly abundant and stable it forms an ideal marker for this purpose.
Proper identification and understanding of PDFs is critical however, for a correct interpretation. In particular, the inability to distinguish between PDFs and other (tectonic) deformation features in optical microscopy can be problematic. By using scanning electron microscopy and cathodoluminescence, PDFs can be properly characterized and identified at the relevant length scales, preventing misidentification.
Hyperspectral cathodoluminescence is a valuable tool in studying shocked quartz samples. CL emission can be used to study quartz grains containing distinct planar deformation features, both amorphous and healed, and provide additional information about the character and the crystallinity of PDFs.
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