Analysis of Rare Earth Elements in Geological Samples by Laser Ablation - Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS)
This document details a method for analyzing rare earth elements (REE) in geological samples using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). It highlights that fusion beads prepared for X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis can be reused for LA-ICP-MS without additional sample preparation, reducing cost and time. The study compares results obtained from this method against literature data for international geostandards (BE-N, MRG-1, and MAG-1), showing excellent agreement.
| Laser wavelength | 266 nm |
|---|---|
| Laser pulse duration | 6 ns |
| Laser repetition frequency | 20 Hz |
| Laser energy | 1.9 mJ |
| Scan speed | 20 m/sec |
| Plasma power | 1390 W |
| Carrier Gas flow | 1.27 L/min |
| Plasma Gas flow | 14.9 L/min |
| Auxiliary Gas flow | 0.9 L/min |
| Acquisition time | 40 sec |
Yes, the same fusion beads prepared for X-ray-fluorescence (XRF) analysis can be used for LA-ICP-MS analysis without additional sample preparation.
The method reduces the use of expensive chemicals because only one chemical sample preparation procedure is necessary.