From Deep Space to Deep Learning. State of the Art Imaging of Extraterrestrial Samples

From meteorites to pre-solar grains, the study of extra-terrestrial material requires advanced capabilities using multi-scale, multi-modal correlative analysis.

Quantitative mineral identification and crystal orientation using deep-learning enhanced X-ray microscopy generate complete 3D characterization of precious samples.

Electron microscopy techniques focus on maximizing quantitative analysis from microstructural variations to nanoscale trace element analysis.

Attendees will hear about some of the exciting work in extraterrestrial samples, learn about some of the newest analytical techniques that help us to understand the formation of the universe, and how to best study return mission samples that may be no larger than a speck of dust.

Presenter: Dr. Rich Taylor (Geoscience Applications Development, ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions - Geoscience)

Dr. Rich completed a PhD in Experimental Petrology at the University of Edinburgh in 2009, before moving to Curtin University in Western Australia as a SIMS laboratory specialist. He subsequently held research positions in the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Curtin studying geochemistry and geochronology, specialising in imaging and microanalysis. In 2017 he moved to the University of Cambridge to study magnetic inclusions in Earth’s oldest materials using novel microscopy techniques. In 2019 Rich moved to Zeiss based in Cambourne, UK to take on the global Geosciences Applications Development role.