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The Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
is a technique used for the in situ analysis of trace elements
in solid samples. It can determine many elements in the periodic
table to high degrees of accuracy and precision. The technique
complements electron microprobe analysis, typically measuring
trace elements at a lower concentration range (1 ppb - 100 ppm).
Solid particles are physically ablated due to the interaction of
a high power (> 1 x 1010 Wcm-2) laser beam with the surface of
the sample. The particles are carried in a stream of inert gas
(helium or argon) into an argon plasma where they are ionized
before measurement in a quadruple mass spectrometer. Isotopes
are measured to determine elemental concentrations.
Additional information available at
"http://www.geo.uu.nl/Research/Petrology/what.htm"
[Summary provided by Universiteit Utrecht]
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