discovered_01_2016

WWW.HZDR.DE 16 17 TITLE // THE HZDR RESEARCH MAGAZINE Optimizing exploitation processes in real time The LIF procedure would not only be useful for specifically detecting rare earths. Exploitation and processing procedures could also benefit from this technology. In order to coordinate the extraction and processing of the ores with their composition, the mined material is constantly tested. At regular intervals, samples are taken and usually subjected to complex, time-consuming lab tests. Scanners that could measure changes – permanently, automatically and basically in real time – would be a great deal more energy- and cost- efficient. "For the procedure to function properly, we still have many obstacles to overcome, such as transferring lab results to natural conditions," Margret Fuchs warns. It was only recently that the geographer compared the emission spectra of cultured and natural minerals. Unlike cultured samples, the crystal lattice of natural minerals can store a whole smorgasbord of foreign atoms. Thus the fingerprint of two similar minerals can differ considerably. Apart from which, in nature, pure minerals are rare. Instead, they tend to occur in rocks and ores in the form of complex mixtures so that ever more spectra overlay each other. "In order to be able to differentiate these mixed spectra better we have to study the fluorescence properties of the individual minerals," the researcher adds. To conduct her studies, Margret Fuchs uses the Optical Characterization Lab in the Institute of Applied Physics at TU Bergakademie Freiberg, HIF’s most important collaborative partner. Together with scientists at the university, she is investigating the spectra in minerals. She wants to use her data to develop algorithms which will automatically evaluate the emission signals sent and generate whole maps with point measurements. As part of the development team, the Helmholtz Institute has recruited the Freiberg Instruments GmbH, a company that constructs special measuring technology for an international market. The company’s task will be to develop and eventually build the LIF-based scanner. But at present, the procedure is still in its infancy. Before it is ready to do its job Margret Fuchs will have to spend many more days in the lab prising out the minerals’ glowing secret. WWW.HZDR.DE 16 17 EXCITATION: The fluorescent sample contains europium – a rare earth element – in the crystal lattice of an artificial mineral. Photo: Detlev Müller SIGNATURE: Geographer Margret Fuchs studies the fluorescent properties of minerals. Photo: Detlev Müller CONTACT _Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology (HIF) at HZDR Dr. Margret Fuchs m.fuchs@hzdr.de tu-freiberg.de/fakultaet2/angph

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