Starting signal for new ICP-MS laboratory at our faculty
The German Research Foundation (DFG) has approved a large-scale equipment proposal for the construction of a new ICP-MS laboratory with laser ablation at our faculty (ICP-MS: mass spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma). The research groups "Petrology of the Ocean Crust" (W. Bach), "Geodynamics of the Polar Regions" (C. Spiegel-Behnke) and "Sediment-Geochemistry" (M. Zabel, MARUM) submitted the application jointly and will operate the new laboratory together.
The extremely sensitive ICP-MS method allows the analysis of trace elements and isotope ratios in solutions as well as in solids if they are previously ablated with a laser. The laser will also be connected to an existing helium mass spectrometer via a high-vacuum sample chamber. The planned laboratory will allow us to explore new horizons of research, such as mapping trace element distributions in solids or laser-based in situ dating of individual mineral grains. Another feature of the new laboratory is the planned combination of laser ablation with laser-induced plasma spectroscopy (LIBS).
Sharing the laboratory will ensure optimal utilization of the new equipment and release synergies through interdisciplinary approaches to investigation. Of course, the laboratory will also be available to other scientists.