Evaluation of the phase detection limit on filter-deposited dust particles from Antarctic ice cores

The present investigation attempts optimization of laboratory X-ray powder diffractometry to investigate very small amount of filter-deposited mineral materials. Extensive tests were performed to select the optimal experimental conditions in reflection geometry. The results indicate that phase quantification can be performed down to 1-2 μg of absolute mass of each phase. The defined experimental protocols were successfully applied to the quantification of mineral phases contained in very small amounts (total mass in the range 10- 15 μg) of polyphasic dust samples extracted from Antarctic ice cores.