PIMA - Rugged Field Portable Spectrometer - Overview
The PIMA SP is a short wave infrared reflectance spectrometer which operates in the wavelength region 1300 to 2500nm. Minerals that contain hydroxyl radicals (eg clays, amphiboles, some sulphates) and carbonate radicals absorb incident radiation at specific wavelengths and in relative amounts that are diagnostic. Borates, phosphates, vanadates and ammonium minerals also produce diagnostic spectra. The PIMA SP records the reflectance spectrum showing the wavelengths, shapes and depths of absorption features. This allows rapid identification of the mineral, often difficult in the field when dealing with fine-grained mineral species. Additional information can often be obtained about crystallinity and composition.
