Preliminary results from a new 157 nm laser ablation ICP-MS instrument: New opportunities in the analysis of solid samples

Preliminary results are given from an excimer 157 nm laser ablation multiple-collector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (LA-MC-ICP-MS), used for the isotopic measurements of solid materials. Elements of geological interest with different volatilities such as Pb and U (e.g. zircon geochronology) and Cu and Zn (as examples of geochemical/biochemical tracers) were analysed. The range of ablation rates of 20-150 nm s(-1) enabled us to ablate the sample down to a depth of 45 mum for a 50 mum diameter pit. The Cu and Zn isotopic measurements gave values that were very stable with, on average, a 0.01% standard error, comparable with that achieved in liquid mode measurements.