Technical note: Nikon-TRACKFlow, a new versatile microscope system for fission track analysis

Abstract

We present Nikon-TRACKFlow, a new system with dedicated modules for automated microscope control and imaging for the fission track laboratory. It serves as a Nikon alternative for the Zeiss-based TrackWorks package from Autoscan Systems. Nikon-TRACKFlow is based on the Nikon Eclipse Ni-E motorised upright microscope and is embedded within Nikon NIS-Elements software. The system decouples image acquisition from analysis to decrease schedule stress of the microscope based on a number of automated user-friendly designs and protocols: (1) the well plate design that allows sequential scanning of multiple samples without the need of replacing the slide on the stage; (2) two protocols that are designed for the external detector method and the LA-ICP-MS fission track approach with tools for repositioning and calibration of the external detector; and (3) two other tools that are designed for automated point selection and scanning of large crystals, such as the Durango age standard and U-doped glass external detectors. In future versions, Nikon-TRACKFlow aims to step away from the dedicated system for fission track imaging towards a general high-throughput imaging system for Earth Sciences and other material-oriented sciences.