This project is aimed at better understanding the physical processes that occur in ICP-MS, in order to improve its performance and the range of applications for laser ablation. The main focus in 2019 continued to be on improving our understanding of robust plasma conditions and developing methods for quantitative analyses of trace elements in minerals, without using matrix-matched reference materials. The work focussed on understanding the impact of particle size distribution of elemental fractionation in the ICP.

This project is aimed at better understanding the physical processes that occur in ICP-MS, in order to improve its performance and the range of applications for laser ablation.

The main focus in 2018 continued to be on improving our understanding of robust plasma conditions and developing methods for quantitative analyses of trace elements in minerals, without using matrix-matched reference materials.

A manuscript covering an investigation of robust plasma conditions focussed on deriving internally consistent values for international reference materials is in the final stages of preparation and we aim to submit this in 2019.

This project is aimed at better understanding the physical processes that occur in ICP-MS, in order to improve its performance and the range of applications for laser ablation.

The main focus in 2017 was on understanding robust plasma conditions and developing applications for assessing the internal consistency between the accepted compositions of international standard reference materials. Development of applications for the new Time-of-Flight (TOF) ICP-MS continued in collaboration with the manufacturer, TOFWERK, to improve on the data acquisition and processing protocols for routine analysis for geological samples.

A manuscript covering an investigation on ion energies in the ICP with different sample introduction systems at the final stages of preparation and is in the final stages. The results highlight the fundamental differences between aerosol characteristics between laser ablation and solution sample introduction.

This project is aimed at better understanding the physical processes that occur in ICP-MS, in order to improve its performance and the range of applications for laser ablation.

The main focus in 2016 was on the testing of a new Time-of-Flight (TOF) ICP-MS, which was installed mid-year. This state of the art instrument has the capability of simultaneous detection of all masses, which can lead to increased precision and accuracy of LA-ICP-MS analyses. The applications are being developed in collaboration with the manufacturer, TOFWERK, to improve on the data acquisition and processing protocols for routine analysis for geological samples.

In addition, a manuscript covering an investigation into oxide and other interference formation in ICP-MS for laser ablation vs. solution ICP-MS was submitted to the Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry. The results highlight the fundamental differences between aerosol characteristics between laser ablation and solution sample introduction.

This project is aimed at better understanding the physical processes that occur in ICP-MS, in order to improve its performance and the range of applications for laser ablation.

During 2015, the main focus was on:

• Testing a new Agilent 7900 ICP-MS for laser ablation applications. This instrument has several new design features that, upon investigation, proved to help increase sensitivity and lower instrumental backgrounds.
• Preparation of a manuscript dealing with ion energy measurements in the ICP-MS for laser ablation vs. conventional solution ICP-MS. Results highlight important differences between the two modes of operation. This is of importance because the instrumentation is designed around solution ICP-MS analyses, and the findings suggest that the current instrumentation may be further optimised for laser ablation. The results were presented by Jay Thompson at the European Winter Plasma Conference in Muenster, Germany.
• Conducting an investigation into the formation of oxide species in the ICP-MS during laser ablation vs. solution ICP-MS. Sarah Gilbert presented the results of this work at the European Winter Plasma Conference in Muenster, Germany. A manuscript is in the final stages of preparation.