Getting your EBSD data right, combing optical microscopy and optical simulations from EBSD orientation data in MTEX

¹ Norweagian University of Technology and Science, Department of Geoscience, Trondheim, Norway
² Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Institute of Applied Analysis, D-09596 Freiberg, Germany
³ University de Montpellier, CNRS Geosciences Montpellier, University de Montpellier, France
⁴ Geological Survey of Norway, Leiv Eirikssons vei 39, 7040 Trondheim, Norway

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published online: 29 January 2026

Abstract

In this study we demonstrate how one can use the optical Tensor tool in free open-source toolbox MTEX add on to Matlab ® to confirm that EBSD orientations are correctly applied with respect to the desired representation of the data, both in plotting convention and sample reference orientation. We exemplify this with simulated optical and axial interference figures of quartz and calcite, respectively, but this is possible with any transparent minerals, where the optical properties are well defined. In addition, the simulations could also be applied to fit optical properties with EBSD data in cases where the optical properties are not known or to develop and test optical orientation methods as faster and cheaper techniques than EBSD. In the present case the correct alignment of Euler and sample reference frames is essential to confirm the relations between lattice preferred orientation and large scale left-lateral move on a regional shear zone.