Omri Dvir   - Instrument supervisor

The Laser Ablation (LA) ICP-MS facility performs direct analyses of virtually any material. The LA-ICP-MS technique is particularly useful for in-situ analyses of trace elements for applications requiring understanding of the spatial variation of elemental content within the sample.

The laboratory currently operates an Agilent 7500 quadrupole ICP-MS and ASI (SE) Resolution 193 nm excimer Laser Ablation systems covering a wide range of specific applications, the high-energy UV laser ablation (LA) system produces craters in the sample ranging in size from 2 microns to 100 microns. The ablated material then swept from the sample cell directly into the plasma of the ICP-MS. The ablated material then ionized similarly to any liquid sample aerosol (for more information on ICP-MS). The LA system is fully computer controlled with a real-time video imaging system capable of reflected and transmitted light (polarized light available) viewing. The system can programmed to ablate continuous lines, spots or a variety of more complex ablation patterns. (for more information on LA-ICP-MS).

Samples intended for LA-ICP-MS can be prepared in a variety of routine ways. The lab routinely accept thin sections, thick sections, microprobe round mounts or small samples. For specific sizes, please contact to the laboratory staff.

Quantitative LA-ICP-MS analyses are possible if the following criteria:

1. The sample must be of somewhat known and must be known or assumed to be of known major element composition.
2. The sample must be of matrix of which a calibration standard reference material (SRM) of close matrix match is available.

The technique is capable of determining many trace elements down to low ppm and even ppb levels, although absolute detection levels are highly element, sample matrix and spot size dependent.

The LA-ICP-MS lab has been involved in a wide variety of studies involving geological, biological, environmental and material science related samples.

Current analytical instruments:

ASI RESOLUTION EXCIMER LASER ABLATION SE MODEL SYSTEM

State-of-the-art 193nm excimer laser ablation system for in-situ sampling of solid materials. The system offers controlled ablation of geological materials at spot sizes ranging from 2 to 100um at energy densities up to >20 J/cm2.

AGILENT 7500CX ICP-MS

Our workhorse quadrupole mass spectrometer for trace element analyses in a wide range of matrices and for U-Th-Pb isotope analyses by laser ablation.

CURRENT ANALYTICAL CAPABILITIES BY LASER ABLATION

• Trace element analysis in various samples such as geological, biological archeological and Industries.
• U-Th-Pb isotope analysis of zircon and rutile.
• Powders analysis.
• Metal analysis.
• Air filter analysis.
• Food Industries analysis.

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