Spectrometers/Radiometers
LA-ICP-MS
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]