Mössbauer Spectrometers
The Mössbauer spectrometer uses a radioactive 57Co source to generate gamma rays that are absorbed by 57Fe in a sample. The nature of absorbtion by the 57Fe is a function of the valence state and type of bonding in an Fe-mineral's lattice, and so the Mössbauer effect can be diagnostic of magnetic Fe sulfides and oxides.
A more detailed description can be found in IRM Quarterly v. 2, n. 3, Fall 1992.
SEE Co. MS4 Mössbauer spectrometer, with Lake Shore (Janis) CCS-800 Mössbauer Refrigerator System

Specifications:
- Temperature range: 2K - 300K
- Applied Field: 0 T
- Measurement time: several hours
SEE Co. MS6 Mössbauer spectrometer, with Janis SVT-400 Nitrogen-shielded liquid Helium cryostat

Specifications (LT, high-Field):
- Temperature range: 2K - 300K
- Measurement time: several hours
Additional equipment:
- Janis liquid helium cryostat with superconducting magnet, 4.2K - 300K, 0 - 6.5 Tesla
Mössbauer Sample Prep:
The standard Mössbauer sample holder is a small pair of nesting Delron cups that are 12.7 mm in diameter and 10 mm deep, and powdered samples are pressed between the two cups. Samples are often dispersed in Boron Nitride or Spectroblend, or other non-magnetic low atomic weight material. In general, smaller amounts of sample with higher concentrations of Iron work best, if the sample is too thick it will absorb most of the gamma rays preventing a reasonable count rate at the detector.