LA-ICPMS

The Laser ablation technique is dominantly used for in situ analysis of geological samples to study trace elements concentrations and zonations in minerals and rocks.
The technique involves removal of mass from solid samples by application of laser energy.
The ablated / removed mass of sample is then analysed by a suitable analytical technique.
At LAICPMS, Laboratory GSI, Faridabad a CETAC Nd:YAG 213nm Laser Ablation (LA) System coupled with Agilent 7700 Inductively Coupled Plasma – Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer [ICPMS (QP)] is used to analyse the composition of the sample with sensitive detectors that measure concentrations in the parts per billion

Standard Operating Procedure

Capabilities:

The technique is extremely useful for trace element and REE analysis of minerals up to concentration in part per billion (ppb).
To determine the bulk composition of rocks by pellet preparations and fusion beads
Elemental mapping on a sub-grain scale
Direct analysis from petrographic thin sections and polished sections etc.

Precise trace element analysis can help in studying petrogenetic processes

Mineral-melt partition coefficients studies to obtain direct information on importance of melt compositions

Identification of mantle reservoirs, magma mixing and crustal assimilation

Application to Geothermobarometry.

Environmental and paleoclimate studies –analysis of debris and tephra from sediment cores etc.

Trace elements can be interpreted as proxies for rainfall, vegetation, and growth rate to resolve seasonal information in Speleothems.

NCEGR,Faridabad
Additional Director General
National Mission Head-IV
Central Headquater

Geological Survey of India
15 A & B Kyd Street
Kolkata-700016
Fax- 033-22861716
Email- hodm4@gsi.gov.in