Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory

The Mineral Exploration Research Centre (MERC) at Laurentian University houses a state-of-the-art isotope geochemistry laboratory specializing in in-situ analyses of rock and mineral specimens. 

Equipment Summary

The MERC-IGL is equipped with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a high-resolution (15 μm) micro﹘x-ray fluorescence spectrometer (μXRF), an ArF excimer laser ablation (LA) system paired with two inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers (ICPMS), a multi-collector (MC), and a triple quad (TQ) that combine to offer a range of analytical applications that can be optimized for specific research objectives.​

Capabilities

• Backscattered Electron (BSE) and secondary electron (SE) imaging 

• Energy-dispersive detector (EDS)

• Cathodoluminescence imaging (CL)

• Feature analysis (SEM/EDS and μXRF, non-destructive)

• Compositional mapping (LA-TQ-ICPMS)

• Phase identification/particle search

• X-ray element mapping (SEM/EDS or μXRF)

• Mineral analysis (SEM/EDS, semi- and full-quantitative)

• U-Th-Pb analysis

• Lu-Hf analysis

• Laser ablation split stream (LASS)

LASS enables simultaneous measurement of U-Th-Pb analysis combined with trace element analysis on the triple-quad ICPMS.

Sample mounting and polishing are also possible on a limited basis. 

Instruments

Tescan Vega 3 Scanning Electron Microscope 

Our Tescan Vega 3 scanning electron microscope system is equipped with an integrated detector system, including SE, BSE, and cathodoluminescence (CL), and a Bruker EDS system with 60 mm2 X-ray detector. The fully-motorized stage is equipped with specimen holder accommodating up to six 1” grain mounts or four thin sections. Imaging, EDS analysis, chemical mapping, and phase identification/particle search can be fully automated for efficient data acquisition.

Photon Machines Analyte G2

Our Photon Machines Analyte G2 laser ablation system is equipped with a large-format, two-volume HelEx cell, accommodating a large number of 1” grain mounts (9) or standard thin sections (4) while maintaining laminar aerosol transport and fast washout times. The short wavelength (193 nm) and pulse duration (<4ns) provide efficient laser-sample coupling and small particle size. 

Thermo iCap-TQ ICPMS

Our Thermo iCap-TQ ICPMS is equipped with a collision-reaction cell (CRC), and pre-CRC mass filter, enabling minimization of poly-atomic and isobaric interferences, making it the ideal tool for accurate, ppb-level trace element analysis.

Thermo Neptune Plus Multicollector ICPMS

Our Thermo Neptune Plus multicollector ICPMS is equipped with the new Jet interface, providing enhanced sensitivity for high-precison isotope ratio measurements. Our nine Faraday cup collector array includes a 10¹² and 10¹³ Ω amplifier, enabling increased analytical precision on low concentration isotopes. The Neptune is routinely utilized for U-Th-Pb and Hf isotope analysis, and can be used for Nd, Sr, and other metal isotope ratio analyses as well.

Laser Ablation split-stream (LASS) analysis: We routinely send the aerosol stream from the ablated material to both ICP-MS instruments, for simultaneous analysis of different analyte suites. Some common LASS applications include: U-Pb (Neptune) and trace elements (TQ), Lu-Hf isotopes (Neptune) and U-Pb ± traces (TQ).

Services & Lab Fees

(Industry Clients)

*Daily, half-day, and hourly rates are available for the SEM.

Additional fees associated with sample preparation, imaging, data reduction, and reporting for LA-ICPMS analyses are assessed on a case-specific basis.

Discounted educational/academic rates are available.   

Contact Dr. Kirk Ross, Lab Manager, for quotes, information, and scheduling.

kross@laurentian.ca

705-675-1151 x5383