The Carpenter Microsystems CM-2 provides the user a wide range of options and capabilities when extracting powders from geological, archaeological, and biological specimens. In addition to being a state-of-the-art microsampling device, this system also provides a fully functional research grade microscope equipped with a 12 Mega-pixel digital camera and epi-fluorescence illumination. Whether it be mollusk shells, fish otoliths, teeth, or diagenetic cements, the CM-2 is up to the task. With its whole stalagmite option, the CM-2 can conduct high-resolution sampling on whole stalagmite slabs. When not being used as a microsampler, the CM-2 can be used for research-grade microscopy needs (examination of macro- and micro-fossils, sediment grains, etc. and both reflected and transmitted light microscopy). This system is much more than a micro-sampler.
CM-2 installed at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
CM-2 Software Update
Version 2.5 of the CM-2 Software is now available!
CM-2 FEATURES
- Easy to use software that fully integrates image capture and motion control
- Sampling path interpolation to allow precise positioning
- 15 mm sampling resolution of carbonates and phosphates
- 2 inch (5 cm) travel distance in X,Y, and Z directions
- Precision, servo motor actuators and crossed-roller bearing stages
- Manual joystick control and fully automated sampling
- Multi-purpose, high quality equipment designed for versatility
- Transmitted and reflected light microscopy (crossed polarized light, darkfield illumination)
- Epi-fluorescence option
- NEW! 64 Mega-Pixel Digital Camera permits live viewing of sampling
- Research quality stereoscopic zoom microscope with 10:1 zoom ratio and long working distance objective lenses
- Heavy duty microscope boomstand
- Straight and contra-angle precision handpieces (with digital control unit)
- Adjustable 360 degree rotation stage
- Unique CM Ultralok clamping device to accommodate all sizes of microscope slides without breakage
- Various types of fiber optic illumination
- NEW! Whole stalagmite sampling option
APPLICATIONS
The high-resolution sampling and microscopy capabilities make the CM-2 a powerful tool in the examination and collection of powdered micro-samples for chemical and isotopic analyses from a variety of materials including:
- fish otoliths
- mollusk shells
- teeth and bone
- stalagmites
- accretionary growth of crystals
BACKGROUND
Dr. Scott J. Carpenter is the founder of Carpenter Microsystems. Carpenter has over 20 years of experience with using, designing, and building micro-sampling equipment. Carpenter also has designed, constructed, and used numerous pieces of analytical equipment found in stable and radiogenic isotope laboratories. In 1993, Carpenter designed and constructed the prototype for the CM-2. The innovations associated with Carpenter's first device (CM-1) moved the field into on-screen digitization using video-capture technology and the use of servo-motor driven precision handpieces equipped with laser faceted tungsten carbide drill bits (Carpenter, 1996). The CM-1 is currently in use at the University of Iowa Paul H. Nelson Stable Isotope Laboratory. The longevity of the CM-1 is testament to the quality of these systems. The CM-1 has been used daily for over 12 years and has sampled a wide range of geological and biological specimens. Frappier et al. (2002) used the CM-1 to extract the highest resolution data ever collected from a fast growing stalagmite. Download Carpenter Publications
Carpenter S.J. (1996) A new micro-sampling device for extracting high resolution isotope data from geologic and biologic materials. Geol. Soc. of Amer. Abstr. w. Prog., 28: 360.
Frappier, A., Sahagian, D., González, L.A. and Carpenter, S.J., (2002) El Niño events recorded by stalagmite carbon isotopes. Science 298: 565.
CONSULTATION AND ORDERING
To learn more about the CM-2 you can download our brochure or contact us at scott@microsampler.com.
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