Automate your petrographic analysis

Polarization microscopy provides a broad set of challenges when trying to build automated workflows for sample digitization. These unique challenges, broadly arising from the orientation dependence of resulting phenomena, can be tackled using a combination of specialized equipment, automation, and computer vision techniques.

The Petrography Analysis Toolbox (PetPAT) accesses the rich data that underpins Axioscan 7 Geo imagery. By analyzing multiple orientations of polarized light images, the PetPAT creates a variety of key sample outputs including the angle of extinction relative to the analyzer and the position of grain boundaries.

In this technology note we will give an overview of these advanced technologies developed to tackle these challenges, including automated multichannel acquisition, motorized polarizers and analyzers, and circular polarization. It will also cover how these techniques are integrated into ZEISS microscopy platforms, including the Axioscan 7 digitisation platform.In this technology note we will give an overview of these advanced technologies developed to tackle these challenges, including automated multichannel acquisition, motorized polarizers and analyzers, and circular polarization.

Geosciences provides many challenges in this regard, with a large number of “hands on” scientific practical classes combined with unique activities such as outdoor geological field trips.  One of the most commonly used skills for observing and interpreting rock samples is the examination of thin section microscope slides in various polarized light conditions using the petrographic microscope.

ZEN Intellesis plus ZEN Image Analysis modules offer machine learning image segmentation and classification, with image analysis and object measurements, for the light microscope. Available for use with the range of ZEISS light microscopes, from the operator-driven Axiolab 5 to the fully automated Axioscan 7 Geo, the modules offer automated identification, classification, measurement, and quantification of minerals.