Zircon laser ablation system

Orihashi, Y., Nakai, S., and Hirata, T. (2008) U-Pb age determination for seven standard zircons using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry coupled with frequency quintupled Nd-YAG (k = 213 nm) laser ablation system comparison with LA-ICP-MS zircon analyses with a NIST glass reference material. Res. Geol, 58, 101-123. 

The laser was connected to the MC-ICP-MS, and the output energy at 213 nm was about 0.3 mJ/pulse. The laser was operated at a frequency of 10 Hz. The sample gas flow (Ar) was optimized by ablating the zircon standard 91500 (see Table 31.3). No He gas was used as aerosol carrier to increase sensitivity for Pb, because the MIC system is very sensitive at such a level that a real risk of counter saturation would occur for numerous U-enriched zircons and/or zircons of Precambrian age. 

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