The Origins Network uses a wide range of analytical, modelling and experimental techniques to provide answers to the major outstanding questions on the formation of our Solar System. As a collaboration between European institutions the Origins Network has unparalleled access to following cutting-edge analytical instruments.

Scanning electon microscopes and electron microprobes are the work-horses of planetary science. These instruments use an electron beam to study samples in a vacuum chamber. They can provide high magnification images, some of which visualise the compositional differences between samples, and can perform chemical analyses accurate to less than 1% by weight using X-rays produced from the sample. The Natural History Museum maintains a facility of electron-beam instruments used by the Origins Network. Learn more

Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEMS) use high energy electron beams on extremely thin samples so that the electrons pass directly through. TEMs allow imaging of samples at very high magnifications, almost sufficient to see atoms. In addition the diffraction of electrons from atoms in the sample is used to study the atomic structure of minerals. The Museo Nazionale dell'Antartide, Siena operates a high resolution TEM used by the Origins Network.

Infrared (IR) Spectrometers detect the vibrations of atoms and molecules in a material using an infrared laser. Infrared spectroscopy can provide information on the molecular structure of organic materials as well as providing a signature that can be compared to IR spectra obtained using telescopes. The Museo Nazionale dell'Antartide, Siena operates an infrared spectrometer used by the Origins Network. Learn more

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometers (ICP-MS's) are instruments that can provide extremely high precision analyses of the chemistry of samples, including their isotope chemistry, to several parts per billion. They seperate atoms from the sample into a plasma, a hot gas, and then separate the atoms from each other by mass using magnets so they can be measured. The Natural History Museum and the Institut fur Mineralogie, Munster operates several ICP-MS used by the Origins-Network. Learn more

Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometers (SIMS) are also known as ion-probes. They use a beam of heavy charged atoms, ions, to sputter the sample and analyse the secondary ions released in a mass spectrometer. They provide isotopic analyses of extremely small areas of a sample. The nanoSIMS is the latest varient of these instruments. The Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris operates an ion-probe used in by the Origins Network.

Thermal Ionisation Mass Spectrometers (TIMS) analyse samples by liberating atoms through evaporation and ionisation on a filament. The atoms are then passed into a mass spectrometer for analysis. TIMS instruments can provide high precision analyses of isotopic compositions. A TIMS operated by the Institut fur Mineralogie, Munster is used by the Origins Network.

X-ray diffraction allows the structures of minerals to be determined through the deflection of X-rays. A micro-source diffractometer allows small areas of a sample to be study and quickly determine the identify of the minerals present without difficult sample preparation. A micro-source X-ray diffractometer is operated by the Natural History Museum and is avaliable to the Origins Network. Learn more

The Nebulotron is an experimental apparatus being developed by Nancy to simulate conditions in the Solar Nebula. It is capable of heating samples to more than 3000K at very low pressures to investigate evaporation and condensation. The Nebulotron is being developed at the CRPG-CNRS, Nancy.