• Agilent 7500c ICP-MS with Octopole Reaction System
• Cetac LSX-100 laser ablation system
• Minimal sample preparation required
• Rapid analysis at high sensitivity (<1 part per million)
• High spatial resolution (<50 microns)

Laser Ablation ICP-MS, with its multi-element capability and low detection limits, is well suited as a means of chemical fingerprinting.Ablated material is transferred to the ICP-MS (inset) via a stream of argon carrier gas.The results are normally presented as elemental ratios, although absolute concentrations can be determined if the appropriate standards are available.

The laser operates at 266nm with output power up to 2mJ and isfocussed on to the surface of the sample.Power is adjusted to optimise elemental response, avoiding excessive spallation and sample damage.