title: What object type is the instance element parameter pass into the link function of an angular directive?
body: <p>I am using typescript with angular and trying to create a custom directive.  I am attempting to give all my parameters types, but am not sure what type the object that is pass through the $element parameter is.  Is it JQuery type?  Or some Element type?</p>
  
  <p>In the directive code, I want to use $element with a d3 selector.  (i.e. d3.select($element))  Currently the d3 selection statement doesn't work because the $element type is not one that is expected by d3.  (I'm using a typescript interface for d3 as well.)</p>
  
  <pre><code>var directiveDefinitionObject : ng.IDirective = {
          restrict: 'E',
          replace: false,
          scope: { data: '=chartData' },
          link: ($scope: ICustomScope, $element: &lt;WHAT_TYPE?&gt;) =&gt; {
               d3.select($element);  // d3.select(node)
          }
      };
  </code></pre>