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Encyclopedia of Geochemistry pp 1–10Cite as

Laser Ablation – Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

Part of the Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series book series (EESS)

Definition

Mass spectrometers utilizing atmospheric pressure Ar-ICP as an ion source (ICP-MS) have been widely used for both element and isotopic analyses for geochemical samples such as rocks, minerals, aquatic solutions, as well as gaseous samples. Since the ICP is operating under atmospheric pressure, various sample introduction techniques can be applied for analysis. Among these, the laser ablation sampling technique is likely to become a method of choic e for many geochemists because it is a highly sensitive and versatile method of elemental and isotopic analyses. Laser ablation is the process of removing materials from the surface of solid materials by the irradiation of a laser beam. Laser-induced sample aerosols and vapors will be introduced to the ICP, and the ionized elements are extracted into a high-vacuum and separated by mass. With the LA-ICPMS technique, direct elemental and isotopic analyses can be made without chemical...

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  1. Geochemical Research Center, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, 113-0033, Tokyo, Japan

    Takafumi Hirata

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  1. Department of Earth, Cornell University Department of Earth, Ithaca, New York, USA

    Prof. Dr. William M. White

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Hirata, T. (2017). Laser Ablation – Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. In: White, W. (eds) Encyclopedia of Geochemistry. Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39193-9_307-1

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