Although the phenomenon of luminescence was recognized as early as the seventeenth century, systematic observation and discussion of cathodoluminescence (commonly referred to as CL) and its application to geological problems did not take place until the middle 1960s. Interest in geological applications of cathodoluminescence expanded rapidly following introduction of the concept, resulting in publication of nearly a dozen English-language CL books. Although some of these books focus on commercial applications of CL (e.g., in the semi-conductor industry), many of them deal with geological applications. These books discuss the theoretical principles of cathodoluminescence and describe practical uses of CL to solution of a variety of geological problems; however, none focuses exclusively on applications in the field of sedimentology. Hundreds of research papers that discuss theoretical and applied aspects of cathodoluminescence were also published during this period. A significant number of these research contributions have focused on the practical uses of CL as a tool for studying sedimentary rocks, particularly with regard to analysis of provenance of siliciclastic sedimentary rocks and diagenesis of both siliciclastic and carbonate sedimentary rocks.

We have attempted in this book to bring together in one volume the principal applications of cathodoluminescence imaging to study and interpretation of sedimentary rocks. The book draws heavily on information available in the published literature, as well as on our own research into cathodoluminescence applications in sedimentology. The book is divided into two parts.