PIGME fluorine determination using a nuclear microprobe with application to glass inclusions

Abstract Fluorine quantitative microanalysis was performed on geological samples, using the 19 F (p, p ′ γ) 19 F reaction, with a 30 (μm proton microbeam at an energy of 3.4 MeV. We have detailed the analytical procedure and the calibration method in relation to a large range of fluorine concentrations in natural glasses and some minerals. This procedure was applied to study the fluorine distribution in melt inclusions trapped in minerals of different origins. The potential of this nuclear microanalysis method is discussed.