The laboratory employs methods for geochronology utilizing U-Th-Pb isotopes in zircons, for determining Hf isotopic ratios in zircons (in conjunction with a Neptune MC ICP-MS), and for analysis of trace elements in silicate, carbonate and sulphide matrices.
The laboratory provides services mainly to internal staff members, and cooperation with science and education departments may also be arranged.
Range of Services
- Zircon dating
Method Description
A high-energy UV laser beam (LA) interacts with the studied material forming craters on the sample surface with diameters ranging between 2–300 microns. The evaporated sample material is transported by a He flow from the ablation cell directly to the plasma discharge of the mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), where it is ionized and its composition subsequently detected. The LA system is fully computerized and enables real-time sample observation in reflected as well as transmitted light. The system can be programmed for ablation lines, points, or for various more complex ablation samples.
This technique is capable of determining many trace elements as well as low ppm levels, although absolute detection levels depend highly on the measured element, the sample matrix and the laser beam diameter.
Equipment
- Analyte Excite 193 nm Excimer Laser Ablation System (LA, Photon Machines, USA) equipped with a HelEx dual-volume ablation cell in conjuntion with an Agilent 7900 ICP-MS quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (Agilent Technologies Inc., Santa Clara, USA)
Sample Requirements
All measurements must be consulted in advance. Samples must be specially prepared at the Sample Polishing Facility prior to analysis (polished sections of individual grains), and their internal structure must be characterized by CL imaging at the Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis Laboratory.