This paper describes the implementation and a detailed optimization of a Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) for an undergraduate physics course laboratory. The VSM operation parameters were extensively discussed using Foner and Mallison coils configuration. The influence of the involved parameters (e.g. oscillation frequency, oscillation amplitude, rate change of the external magnetic field, coils configuration, etc.) on the induced voltage in the pick-up coils were discussed. A disk of nickel of 6-mm diameter was used for the calibration of the magnetometer, comparing the hysteresis loop measured with our magnetometer with the one obtained using a commercial VSM. Magnetization curves of two different samples were obtained in order to test the sensitivity of the magnetometer. The vibrating sample magnetometer implemented in the present work is able to detect changes in the total magneti...

This paper describes the implementation and a detailed optimization of a Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) for an undergraduate physics course laboratory. The VSM operation parameters were extensively discussed using Foner and Mallison coils configuration. The influence of the involved parameters (e.g. oscillation frequency, oscillation amplitude, rate change of the external magnetic field, coils configuration, etc.) on the induced voltage in the pick-up coils were discussed. A disk of nickel of 6-mm diameter was used for the calibration of the magnetometer, comparing the hysteresis loop measured with our magnetometer with the one obtained using a commercial VSM. Magnetization curves of two different samples were obtained in order to test the sensitivity of the magnetometer. The vibrating sample magnetometer implemented in the present work is able to detect changes in the total magneti...

Este artículo describe la implementación y una optimización detallada de un magnetómetro de muestra vibrante (VSM) para un laboratorio de licenciatura en física. Los parámetros de operación de VSM se discutieron ampliamente usando la configuración de bobinas de Foner y Mallison. Se discutió la influencia de los parámetros implicados (por ejemplo, frecuencia de oscilación, amplitud de oscilación, cambio de velocidad del campo magnético externo, configuración de bobinas, etc.) sobre la tensión inducida en las bobinas de captación. Se utilizó un disco de níquel de 6 mm de diámetro para la calibración del magnetómetro, comparando el bucle de histéresis medido con nuestro magnetómetro con el obtenido utilizando un VSM comercial. Se obtuvieron curvas de magnetización de dos muestras diferentes para probar la sensibilidad del magnetómetro. El magnetómetro de muestra vi...

In this article we present the results of applying the technique of electrostatic separation to minerals containing rare earths. The presence of La, Ce, Sm, Pr and Nd in the initial sample was verified by ICP-MS analysis. Hematite and non-conductive minerals such as dolomite and feldspar-K were concentrated by electrostatic separation. On the other hand, through SEM-EDS it was proved that the rare earth elements belong to the monazite mineral (La, Ce, Nd) PO4 and that this is associated to Feldspar-K.

In this article we present the results of applying the technique of electrostatic separation to minerals containing rare earths. The presence of La, Ce, Sm, Pr and Nd in the initial sample was verified by ICP-MS analysis. Hematite and non-conductive minerals such as dolomite and feldspar-K were concentrated by electrostatic separation. On the other hand, through SEM-EDS it was proved that the rare earth elements belong to the monazite mineral (La, Ce, Nd) PO4 and that this is associated to Feldspar-K.

En este artículo se presentan los resultados de aplicar la técnica de separación electrostática a minerales que contienen tierras raras. Se verificó la presencia de La, Ce, Sm, Pr y Nd en la muestra inicial mediante análisis de ICP-MS. Por medio de la separación electrostática se concentraron minerales conductores la hematita y no conductores como dolomita y feldespato-K. Por otro lado, mediante SEM-EDS se comprobó que los elementos de tierras raras pertenecen al mineral monacita (La, Ce, Nd)PO4 y que éste se encuentra asociado al Feldespato-K.

A recently discovered the rare-earth-rich site in Capacsaya, located at 123 km northwest of Cusco, at the south of Peru, contains signifcant quantities of light and heavy rare-earth elements such as neodymium, lanthanum, cerium, europium, and yttrium. This work reports the identifcation of rare-earth elements and their associated minerals using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray difraction analyses. Five (5) samples extracted from diferent locations at the Capacsaya site were characterized and identifed K-feldspar as the mineral associated with the rare-earth elements in a representative sample with a high concentration of lanthanum and cerium. The results showed rare-earth elements contained within the mineral phase monazite, being cerium the dominant element in the phase (La, Ce, Nd)PO4. Finally, through the electrostatic separation process we ...