Zircon (ZrSiO4) is the most commonly used mineral in U–Pb geochronology. Although it has proven to be a robust chronometer, it can suffer from Pb-loss or elevated common Pb, both of which impede precision and accuracy of age determinations. Chemical abrasion of zircon involves thermal annealing followed by relatively low temperature partial dissolution in HF acid. It was specifically developed ...

We investigated the role of femtosecond (fs) laser wavelength on laser ablation (LA) and its relation to laser generated aerosol counts and particle distribution, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) signal intensity, detection limits, and elemental fractionation. Four different NIST standard reference materials (610, 613, 615, and 616) were ablated using 400 nm and 800 nm fs l...

Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is one of the most commonly applied methods for lateral trace element distribution analysis in medical studies. Many improvements of the technique regarding quantification and achievable lateral resolution have been achieved in the last years. Nevertheless, sample preparation is also of major importance and the optimal samp...

Monazite [(Ce,Th)PO4] from the Llallagua tin ore deposit in Bolivia is characterized by low radiogenic element contents. Previously reported field evidence and mineral associations suggest the mineral formed via direct precipitation from hydrothermal fluids. Monazite compositions thus may provide insight into characteristics of the fluids from which it formed. Chemical compositions of three Lla...

In situ LA-MC-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon geochronology combined with cathodoluminescence imaging were carried out to determine protolith and metamorphic ages of orthogneisses from the Western Tatra Mountains (Central Western Carpathians). The metamorphic complex is subdivided into two units (the Lower Unit and the Upper Unit). Orthogneisses of the Lower Unit are mostly banded, fine- to medium-grained r...

Multifunctional composite nanoprobes consisting of iron oxide nanoparticles linked to silver and gold nanoparticles, Ag-Magnetite and Au-Magnetite, respectively, were introduced by endocytic uptake into cultured fibroblast cells. The cells containing the non-toxic nanoprobes were shown to be displaceable in an external magnetic field and can be manipulated in microfluidic channels. The distribu...

Abstract Deciphering the localisation of solid and dissolved impurities on micron-scale in glacial ice remains a challenge, but is critical to understand integrity core records internal deformation. Here we report state-of-the-art microstructural impurity research by highlighting recent progress bringing together cryo-Raman spectroscopy laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometr...

This application note describes a robust analytical method for the determination of heavy metals and substances regulated by the EU Restriction of Hazardous Substances/End of Life Vehicles (RoHS/ELV) directives. Based on the experience of Nihon Environmental Services Co., Ltd in Japan using an Agilent Technologies 7500c ORS (Octopole Reaction System) collision/reaction cell ICP-MS, this note su...

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and LA-ICP-MS (laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry) were used for the detection of trace metals in a solid matrix consisting of KBr and two oxides. The results of both methods were compared to investigate the strengths and weaknesses of both methods. Most difficulties for quantification of LIBS data are related to matrix effect...