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Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Imaging Metals in Brain Tissue by Laser Ablation - Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS)
Published on: January 22, 2017
Problems in obtaining precise and accurate Sr isotope analysis from geological materials using laser ablation
P Z Vroon1, B van der Wagt, J M Koornneef
1Department of Petrology, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. pieter.vroon@falw.vu.nl
Laser ablation multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICPMS) shows potential for Sr isotope analysis but faces accuracy limits. Challenges include mass discrimination, laser-induced fractionations, and molecular interferences, requiring further method refinement.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Isotope Geochemistry
Background:
- Laser ablation multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICPMS) is a powerful technique for in-situ isotope analysis.
- Previous studies (1995-2006) highlight the potential of LA-MC-ICPMS for Strontium (Sr) isotope analysis.
- However, several challenges affect the accuracy and precision of this method.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review problems encountered in Sr isotope analysis using LA-MC-ICPMS.
- To identify limitations in accuracy and precision.
- To assess the effectiveness of current correction methods for interferences.
Main Methods:
- Review of eleven published studies on Sr isotope analysis using LA-MC-ICPMS (1995-2006).
- Analysis of instrumental mass discrimination, laser-induced fractionations, and molecular interferences.
- Evaluation of isobaric interferences (Kr, Rb, Ca dimers/argides, REE dimers).
Main Results:
- Modern laser (193 nm) and MC-ICPMS allow analysis of minerals with >500 ppm Sr at <100 ppm precision and ~100 µm resolution.
- Successful 87Sr/86Sr analysis in carbonate and plagioclase, though Ca dimer/argide influence is noted.
- High Rb/Sr materials analyzed using standard-sample bracketing for Rb correction.
- Discrepancies observed in clinopyroxene, apatite, and sphene analyses compared to TIMS and solution MC-ICPMS.
Conclusions:
- LA-MC-ICPMS is a promising technique for Sr isotope analysis, especially in carbonates and plagioclase.
- Significant interferences (mass discrimination, laser effects, molecular ions) limit accuracy and precision.
- Further research is needed to optimize correction methods for isobaric interferences in various mineral matrices like clinopyroxene, apatite, and sphene.
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