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Imaging Metals in Brain Tissue by Laser Ablation - Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry LA-ICP-MS
Published on: January 22, 2017
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iQuant2: Software for Rapid and Quantitative Imaging Using Laser Ablation-ICP Mass Spectrometry
Toshihiro Suzuki1, Shuhei Sakata2, Yoshiki Makino2
1Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8551, Japan.
Mass Spectrometry (Tokyo, Japan)
|March 9, 2018
Summary
A new software, iQuant2, generates visual images from laser ablation-ICP-mass spectrometry data. This tool enables rapid imaging and semi-quantitative elemental analysis, improving data interpretation for geological and material science applications.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Laser ablation-ICP-mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) generates complex signal intensity data.
- Converting time-resolved data to position-resolved data for imaging requires specialized software.
- Accurate elemental quantification and image correction are crucial for LA-ICPMS analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a software program, iQuant2, for visualizing and analyzing LA-ICPMS data.
- To enable rapid image generation and semi-quantitative elemental analysis from 2D signal intensity data.
- To provide tools for image deformation correction and line profile analysis.
Main Methods:
- Development of the iQuant2 software for processing LA-ICPMS data.
- Conversion of time-resolved signal intensity profiles to position-resolved data using laser rastering rates.
- Application of gas blank subtraction for background correction.
- Implementation of external correction using NIST SRM610 (relative sensitivity factor) for semi-quantitative analysis.
- Export of imaging data in standard formats (JPEG, BMP, PNG).
Main Results:
- iQuant2 successfully creates visual images from 2D LA-ICPMS signal intensity data.
- The software allows for visual correction of image deformation and line profile analysis.
- Semi-quantitative elemental abundance data obtained using iQuant2 show reasonable agreement with electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) results.
- The software facilitates both rapid imaging and semi-quantitative determinations.
Conclusions:
- The iQuant2 software provides a valuable tool for enhancing the interpretation of LA-ICPMS data.
- It enables efficient generation of visual images and semi-quantitative elemental analysis.
- This development facilitates faster and more accurate material characterization using LA-ICPMS.
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