Application for large-scale scientific instrument - laser ablation ICP-MS

• Subject Area: Geology and Palaeontology
• Term: Funded in 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 428584532

Laser ablation mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is an analytical tool for analyzing element concentration and isotope ratios in various materials on a micron-scale with extremely high precision. There is increased application of this technology in the geosciences, where it is used to shed light on geological or environmental processes. From using a LA-ICP-MS in our laboratory, we expect significant advance in various research directions. The main advantages are the extreme spatial resolution and the high sensitivity of the method. Our main approaches will be: (1) analyzing trace elements in-situ in ores, minerals and rocks; (2) determining the age and duration of ore-forming processes; (3) quantifying fluid-rock interaction; (4) establishing models in 4D for the genesis of magmatic and hydrothermal mineral deposits; and (5) quantifying environmental impact of raw material extraction and use. We believe that we will be able to secure the raw material supply for our society and reduce the environmental footprint of mining, processing and industrial use of raw materials by this kind of research. On top of our geological research groups, other scientists will profit from the use of this instrumentation for their research, because it will be the only equipment of that kind at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (outside the restricted nuclear area).

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Laserablationsmassenspektrometer
• Instrumentation Group: 1700 Massenspektrometer
• Applicant Institution: Karlsruher Institut für Technologie
• Leader: Professor Dr. Jochen Kolb