Trace Element Analysis

The laser ablation (LA) system is capable of making accurate in situ measurements of a large suite of chemical elements in various minerals (silicates, carbonates, phosphates, oxides and sulfides), silicate glasses, and other materials ranging from otoliths to metals.

It is best suited for the determination of elements heavier than and including Rb but can be used for light element measurements (including major elements of minerals) as well. For many of these sorts of elements, standardization is by external calibration to NIST 610/612 soda-lime silicate glass.

Detection limits are on the order of a few tens of ppb for analysis spot sizes of 30 to 50 micrometres.

For more information, please contact Dr. Sebastian Kommescher