Quantification of SiOH-defects in authigenic quartz by cathodoluminescence: A tracer of the growth dynamics

• Antragsteller: Dr. Thomas Götte
• Subject Area: Paläontologie
• Term: from 2007 to 2009
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 35757249

The formation of non-bridging oxygen hole centres from precursor SiOH-defects are typically observed in authigenic quartz by the red shift of its luminescence colour during electron irradiation. Since the defect structure of quartz depends on the conditions of crystal growth, the quantification of SiOH-defects will provide important information about the formation of authigenic quartz. Knowledge of the destruction process of SiOH-defects and the corresponding red shift of quartz luminescence shall be acquired by analyses of well known hydrothermal quartz crystals. Based on these findings, authigenic quartz cement in sandstones formed at different physicochemical conditions shall be investigated to unravel the effects of depth (e.g., pressure), temperature and composition of the pore fluid on the quantity and distribution of the SiOH-defects.

• DFG Programme: Forschungsstipendien
• International Connection: Schweiz
• Gastgeber: Professor Dr. Fritz Schlunegger