UV Laser Ablation ICP-MS: Some Applications in the Earth Sciences

Nesbitt, Robert W., Hirata, Takafumi, Butler, Ian B. and Milton, James A. (1997) UV Laser Ablation ICP-MS: Some Applications in the Earth Sciences. Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research, 21 (2), 231-243. (doi:10.1111/j.1751-908X.1997.tb00943.x).

Abstract

This study reports a series of applications of UV laser ablation ICP-MS in the geological sciences. The advantages and disadvantages of the PQ “S” option and the use of nitrogen in the carrier gas are discussed. A general problem common to all ablation techniques is the calibration technique and experiments involving synthetic calibration samples are covered. Zircon geochemistry and geochronology by LA-ICP-MS are discussed and data are presented for REE, Hf and U for a standard zircon (91500) as well as a series of zircons from Zimbabwe. The potential of using Ce and Eu anomalies in petrologic studies is illustrated by zircons from a fractionated gabbroic-granite in the Urals. The potential of the LA-ICP-MS method to utilise standard X-ray fluorescence glass discs is demonstrated as a useful semi-quantitative tool in determining REE patterns. LA-ICP-MS is a powerful tool in the analysis of the platinum group elements (and Re) and some examples are given in the successful application of the technique to partitioning in iron meteorites.

This record has no associated files available for download.

Contributors

Author: James A. Milton

Download statistics