UV Laser Ablation ICP-MS: Some Applications in the Earth Sciences |
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Authors: | Robert W. Nesbitt Takafumi Hirata Ian B. Butler James A. Milton |
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Affiliation: | School of Ocean and Earth Science, Southampton Oceanography Centre, The University, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK;Tokyo Institute of Technology, Department Earth and Planetary Sciences. O-Okayama, 2 12 1, Meguro, Tokyo 152, Japan |
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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. |
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