LA-ICP-MS: A key to detailed imaging of trace elements in geological samples
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| Year of publication | 2024 |
| Type | Appeared in Conference without Proceedings |
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| Description | Inorganic analysis of geological samples is foundational to geochemistry, traditionally involving bulk analysis after sample decomposition or water analysis using diverse techniques. However, in-situ analysis of solid samples, such as Backscattered Electron (BSE) imaging, Xray microanalysis, and notably Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), has transformed our approach to these studies. These surface techniques enable detailed imaging of selected sample areas, offering a more granular view of elemental distribution compared to traditional spot analyses. Specifically, LA-ICP-MS has become integral for creating elemental or isotopic maps, crucial for investigating mineral heterogeneity, elemental mobility, and the chronological dating of geological processes. By performing scanning ablation across defined areas, LA-ICP-MS achieves high-resolution images of elemental or isotopic distributions under optimized conditions, with key factors such as ablation spot size, scan speed, dwell time, number of measured isotopes, and data evaluation procedures affecting the method's success. This advanced imaging capability is essential for deciphering the geological and environmental histories represented by the samples. |
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