Excimer-Laser-Ablation-System

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Geosciences are concerned with processes that take place at different spatial and time scales, ranging from atomic to global, and from seconds to billions of years. Petrological, geochemical and mineralogical research investigates these processes that include the formation, the composition, and global cycling of terrestrial geomaterials as well as minerals on extraterrestrial bodies. The samples are often only a few micrometers in size and thus, high spatial resolution in trace element- and isotope analysis is essential. Since the mid-nineties, laser ablation has become an established method for trace element and isotope analysis where the sample material is ablated in the micrometer range and then analysed by mass spectrometry. In the literature this method is referred to as Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Both workload and diversity of current and past projects are evidence for the necessity of a functioning and modern LA-ICP-MS laboratory. The currently used instrument has been operational since 2013. The instrument is ageing, electronic spare parts are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain while repairs and downtimes are on the increase. In the research supplements, the participating working groups detail the need for LA-ICP-MS analysis. The research focus will be on the analysis of experimental products, natural mineral and rock samples, and the investigation of extraterrestrial sample material.