microprobe

[ mahy-kruh-prohb ]

noun

1. Chemistry, Spectroscopy. a device used to excite radiation by a material in order to determine chemical or elemental composition from the emission spectrum produced.
2. Surgery. a miniature probe for use in microsurgery.

Word History and Origins

Origin of microprobe¹

First recorded in 1955–60; micro- + probe

Example Sentences

A study led by Zhang published in 2021 used a technique called ion microprobe analysis to measure how many atoms of uranium and lead were in the crystals, calculating the age of the zircon based on the decay of radioactive uranium to lead over time.

From Reuters

He then removed a core sample measuring one centimeter in diameter and two centimeters in length from just below the right knee and analyzed it using an electron microscope, electron microprobe, mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray fluorescence.

From Literature

In the early 1980s, Dr. Levi-Setti turned from particle physics to develop a scanning ion microprobe, an instrument that enabled him to take extraordinarily high-resolution images of teeth, DNA and almost anything else that struck researchers’ fancy.

From Washington Post

Zinner, E. & Crozaz, G. A method for the quantitative measurement of rare earth elements in the ion microprobe.

From Nature

Von der Handt said she’s looking forward to testing Peterson’s samples with the new microprobe.

From Washington Times