LA-ICP-MS

UP - University of Potsdam

last updated: July 20, 2023

About the Laboratory

LA-ICP-MS

UP - University of Potsdam

@ Mineralogy

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Mineralogy Equipment laboratory complex
Networks: Geo.X

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Description

The LA-ICP-MS facility at the University of Potsdam is used for in situ microanalysis such as precise U-Th-Pb age determination of accessory minerals (e.g. zircon, monazite, and apatite) and trace element analysis of silicate materials (e.g. garnet, zircon) in geological samples. Quantitative analyses can be obtained for most elements in the mass range from ⁷Li to ²³⁸U at low ppm level and spatial resolutions of 15 to 150 microns. Samples can be epoxy mounts (2.54 cm or 0.8-1 cm in diameter) and thin or thick sections. The lab is equipped with an Element 2 single-collector magnetic sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (SF-ICP-MS) from Thermo-Fisher Scientific and an excimer laser ablation system (NWR193) from Elemental Scientific Lasers.

Instruments

The Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry is a technique used for the in situ analysis of trace elements in solid samples. It can determine many elements in the periodic table to high degrees of accuracy and precision. The technique complements electron microprobe analysis, typically measuring trace elements at a lower concentration range (1 ppb - 100 ppm). Solid particles are physically ablated due to the interaction of a high power (> 1 x 1010 Wcm-2) laser beam with the surface of the sample. The particles are carried in a stream of inert gas (helium or argon) into an argon plasma where they are ionized before measurement in a quadruple mass spectrometer. Isotopes are measured to determine elemental concentrations. Additional information available at "http://www.geo.uu.nl/Research/Petrology/what.htm" [Summary provided by Universiteit Utrecht] (Source: Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2023. GCMD Keywords, Version 16.3 [...] )
LA-ICP-MS - Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer

Analytical Methods

The Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry is a technique used for the in situ analysis of trace elements in solid samples. It can determine many elements in the periodic table to high degrees of accuracy and precision. The technique complements electron microprobe analysis, typically measuring trace elements at a lower concentration range (1 ppb - 100 ppm). Solid particles are physically ablated due to the interaction of a high power (> 1 x 1010 Wcm-2) laser beam with the surface of the sample. The particles are carried in a stream of inert gas (helium or argon) into an argon plasma where they are ionized before measurement in a quadruple mass spectrometer. Isotopes are measured to determine elemental concentrations. Additional information available at "http://www.geo.uu.nl/Research/Petrology/what.htm" [Summary provided by Universiteit Utrecht] (Source: Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2023. GCMD Keywords, Version 16.3 [...] )
LA-ICP-MS - Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

Laboratory Keywords

Disciplines

Geoscience > Geochemistry > Geochemistry
Geochemistry
Geoscience > Geochemistry > Mineralogy
Mineralogy

The Research Network for Geosciences in Berlin and Potsdam

LA-ICP-MS

UP - University of Potsdam

About the Laboratory

LA-ICP-MS

Access

Description

Instruments

Analytical Methods

Laboratory Keywords

Disciplines

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