NewWave 213 nm laser microprobe coupled with X-Series II ICP mass spectrometer
Laser ablation allows direct sampling of solid materials
(e.g. minerals, pressed powder pellets, inclusions, metal alloys) without need
to dissolve the samples in mineral acids. We use a NewWave microprobe
with Q-switched frequency quintupled Nd:YAG laser 213 nm (Fremont,
USA). The laser beam (up to 2.5 mJ/pulse) is directed through a series of apertures
and focused onto the sample surface. The sample is placed in cell mounted on
a computer-driven motorized stage. The size of single laser pit can vary from
4 microns up to approximately 110 microns in diameter. Different ablation patterns
such as single spots, lines or raster are also possible. The ablated material
from the cell is flushed into the ICP by stream of He gas. The NewWave laser
microprobe is coupled with Thermo Scientific X-Series II ICP quadrupole mass
spectrometer.
Laser ablation is used for variety of trace element and isotope measurements
of geological, material and environmental samples. Detection limits vary with
sample matrix and the analyzed elements from several ppb up to tens of ppm.
NewWave 213 nm laser microprobe coupled with X-Series II ICP mass spectrometer