Development and application of UF-LA-ICPMS analytical methods to geologic and environmental media

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Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) has become one of the leading microanalytical techniques for earth and environmental science applications.  Application of this technique has provided insights into geologic and environmental processes that were previously unattainable.  Regardless, limitations in the method (i.e., non-representative sampling, elemental and isotopic fractionation) may influence the precision and accuracy of data obtained and, therefore, conclusions made using this method.  New laser sampling technology (i.e., ultrafast lasers) has the potential to overcome the limitations inherent in earlier LA-ICPMS systems.  This research program has three  principal elements: 1. to develop and evaluate ultrafast (UF)-LA-ICPMS and UF-LA-MC-ICPMS analytical techniques for elemental and isotopic analysis of geologic media (minerals, fluid inclusions), 2. to apply UF-LA-ICPMS and UF-LA-MC-ICPMS to well constrained geologic systems in order to better understand the transport of high field strength elements in aqueous fluids, 3. to use these techniques to evaluate important but poorly understood geologic (hydrothermal ore deposit formation) and environmental (fish stock discrimination) issues.