The National Science Foundation (NSF) Integrative Activities program awarded the University of Hawaii at Manoa a $699,999 grant to acquire a state-of-the-art electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) instrument. This highly specialized equipment will advance research capabilities in disciplines such as volcanology, petrology, geochemistry, cosmochemistry, astrobiology, archaeology, and planetary science at the university. Key features of the EPMA include a thermal field emitter for high-resolution imaging, a panchromatic cathodoluminescence detector, five wavelength-dispersive spectrometers, and an advanced energy-dispersive spectrometer system. This instrumentation will enable quantitative analysis of elements, from light to trace, at spatial scales from centimeters to nanometers. The grant will also support training of undergraduate students in these research areas and promote remote access and engagement with the broader scientific community across Hawaii. This award reflects NSF's mission to build critical infrastructure and enhance research competitiveness across the nation's STEM enterprise.
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