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 1015 μg) of polyphasic dust samples extracted from Antarctic ice cores.