Abstract

Analyzing the constituents of meteorites has played an important role in forming the contemporary theories of solar system evolution, planets formation, and stellar evolution. Meteorites are often a complex mixture of common rock forming silicates, such as olivines and pyroxenes, with a range of exotic species including hydrated silicates, and in some cases organic compounds. We used Micro-Raman spectroscopy to analyze the compositions of three carbonaceous chondrites: NWA852, Murchison and Allende. Raman spectra were measured using laser sources with different excitation wavelengths: HeNe 633 nm and Nd:YAG 532 nm. We were able to detect 9 minerals in NWA852, 3 minerals in Murchison and 4 minerals in Allende. Some of these minerals like pyrite in NWA852 and magnetite in NWA852 and Murchison provide evidence for potential previous organic life. Other minerals like ringwoodite in Allende and lizardite in NWA852 reveal information about previous astrophysical and geological events experienced by the meteorites. The detection of graphite in the Murchison and Allende reveals information about the microstructure of these meteorites.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2014

Semester

Fall

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Physics

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Sciences; Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic

Format

PDF

Identifier

CFH0004710

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

1 year

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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Included in

Physics Commons

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