Laser Ablation ICP-MS, with its multi-element capability and low detection limits, is well suited as a means of chemical fingerprinting.
Ablated material is transferred directly to the ICP-MS via a stream of argon carrier gas.
Damage to the sample is minimal.
A laser is used to ablate small amounts of material from a sample.
Results are normally presented as elemental ratios, although absolute concentrations can be determined if the appropriate standards are available.
Analysis is rapid and sensitive (<1 part per million), with high spatial resolution (<50 microns). Multi-element data are collected simultaneously.
The equipment available is an Agilent 7500c ICP-MS with octopole reaction system, with Cetac LSX-100 laser ablation system.
Minimal sample preparation is required.
Applications include:
Analysis of environmental samples, such as corals, tree rings and fish scales
Analysis of forensic samples: lead bullets and metal fragments
Analysis of archaeological samples: glass and bone
