Analysis Types

 

We specialize in LASS (laser-ablation split stream) analysis: simultaneous measurement of isotopic and/or elemental ratios using lasers and mass spectrometers. Example of types of analysis that are possible include:

  • U-Th-Pb isotopes + trace elements
  • U-Th-Pb isotopes + Sr, Nd, or Hf isotopes
  • Nd isotopes + Sr isotopes

Materials we analyze include

  • zircon, typically 15-30 um spots
  • monazite, typically 7-10 um spots
  • xenotime, typically 7-10 um spots
  • titanite, typically 20-35 um spots
  • rutile, typically 20-50 um spots
  • apatite, typically 20-50 um spots
  • allanite, typically 15-30 um spots
  • calcite, typically 65-135 um spots

A typical analytical session involving U/Th-Pb + trace elements will involve measurement of

  • one set of 4-10 reference materials (standards)
  • multiple sets of 5 unknowns and 1 or 2  reference materials
  • one set of 4-10 reference materials (standards)

This will typically be a 2-hr session with ~100-150 analyses (about 60-80 unknowns), depending on the ablation time and physical size of your samples.

The image below shows the collector configuration of the Nu Plasma multicollector ICP and some of the possible types of measurements.

User Fees (as of 7/1/21)

  Internal /hour External /hour Internal /day* External /day*
Laser Ablation (LA) $75 $115 $750 $1,140
Single-Collector (SC) ICPMS $75 $115 $750 $1,140
Multi-Collector (MC) ICPMS $120 $190 $1,110 $1,740
LA-SC-ICPMS $150 $230 $1,350 $2,060
LA-MC-ICPMS $195 $305 $1,710 $2,660
LASS $300 $420 $2,550 $3,580
Technical Support $75 $110    

* Includes 2 hr/day of technical support.

We would like the opportunity to be co-authors on any publications that result.

User Policies

  • Applications for instrument time are welcome. See the Calendar for available dates and then contact us about when you would like to visit and what you would like to accomplish. We will work with you to come up with a plan that meets your needs. See the types of analysis that are possible, the types of sample preparation that is required, and the costs for conducting various types of analysis.

  • Your initial use of instrumentation will be under close supervision by a member of staff, who will assist you in obtaining the type of data you desire. Once you have demonstrated familiarity with operation of instruments, this supervision will diminish as appropriate.

  • Normal operation hours are from ~8 AM to 6 PM, but extended operating hours are easy to arrange. Many visitors operate the instruments in multi-day stretches without stopping.

  • Data collection is fast and furious and requires excellent note keeping. It is best done with a 2-person team to maximize the rate of data collection.

Data Acquisition Movie