Laser ablation and direct solid introduction
Laser ablation platforms for elemental and isotope analysis, from bulk quantification to 2D/3D imaging on a micrometric scale — compatible with ICP-MS, ICP-TOF-MS, MC-ICP-MS, IRMS or noble-gas mass spectrometers.
The principle
The laser removes a controlled amount of material from the surface. The aerosol is transported to the spectrometer, preserving the location of each analyzed point. Thus, the same platform can perform point analysis, lines, raster, depth profiles and quantitative imaging.
Equipment line
Speed, matrix homogeneity, spatial resolution, isotope-ratio precision, operational cost and spectrometer type define the best configuration.
New generation femtosecond
Ultra-short pulses at 257 nm reduce thermal effects and favor flat and circular craters. The platform was designed to move between quantification, isotope ratios and high-speed imaging.
Proven flexibility
Excimer platform ArF focused on bulk and imaging applications. COBALT Cell allows adjusting the pulse response to the analysis, while eQC, ExiCheck and Dynamic-Z support stability and less operator intervention.
Robustness and open architecture
Compact system with sealed head and isolated optical bench. It is a practical solution for point analysis, bulk, isotope ratios, depth profiles and special cells.
Step heating and noble gases
Laser platforms for controlled mineral heating, integrated with high vacuum chambers and noble gas mass spectrometry. This block is related to the ablation line, but has its own analytical purpose.
Quick Comparison
The table works as a starting point. The final selection considers matrix, sample size, spectrometer, spatial resolution, precision and throughput.
| Platform | Source | Track / Repeat | Recommended application | Configuration difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRIDIA FemtoFemtosecond | 257 nm · <290 fs | 1 Hz a 4 kHz | Greater uniformity between matrices, depth profiling, thin layers, imaging and demanding isotope ratios. | Flat, circular craters; COBALT Cell, Dynamic-Z, CryoCOBALT and HDIP. |
| IRIDIAExcimer ArF | 193 nm · nanosecond | 300, 500 or 1000 Hz | Complete routine between bulk and fast imaging, including geological and biological applications. | Adjustable COBALT cell, eQC in sample plane and automated ExiCheck gas exchange. |
| LSX-213 G2+Nd:YAG | 213 nm · <5 ns | 1 to 20 Hz · 4 a 200 µm | Spot analysis, bulk, isotope ratios, Depth profiling and laboratories that value open architecture. | Sealed head, compact platform and compatibility with specialized cells. |
| FusionsCO2 or diode | 10.6 μm or 0.8 μm | Power continuously controlled | Heating, fusion, 40Ar/39Ar, (U-Th)/He and noble gas spectrometry. | Temperature control, high vacuum chambers and coaxial vision as per configuration. |
Values summarized from the technical materials provided and the Teledyne Photon Machines catalogs. Specifications and options must be confirmed for the current commercial configuration.
Applications
The choice of source and cell allows you to balance sensitivity, speed, isotope-ratio precision, lateral resolution and depth control.
Trace elements, mineral zoning, inclusions, accessory minerals and interpretation of geological processes.
U-Pb dating, isotope ratios and selection of analytical domains with spatial map support.
Distribution of elements, metals and markers in tissues, cells, roots and biological materials.
Composition of metals, ceramics, glass, electrodes and coatings, with lateral and depth-resolved information.
Elemental and isotopic fingerprinting, particles, glass, pigments, ceramics, environmental samples and heritage objects.
Fusions systems expand the portfolio for Step heating and controlled fusion in specific isotope applications.
Analytical ecosystem
Cell, aerosol transport, optical control and processing need to operate as a set to transform pulses into comparable data.
Configurable cells and transport to generate quick responses in imaging or longer, stable signals in bulk analysis and isotope ratios.
Flow control · sample holders · Dynamic-Z · cryogenic options
Laser control, navigation in the sample, definition of points, lines and areas, ablation parameters and communication with the spectrometer.
Laser control · targeting · automation · methods
LA-ICP-MS data processing with multiformat import, calibration, drift correction, filters, segmentation and 2D/3D visualization.
Quantification · correlative imaging · 3D · isotope ratiosTechnical library
Frequently Asked Questions
The points that normally define source, cell and coupling.
The sample can be analyzed directly, with reduced preparation and preservation of spatial information. This allows you to choose specific regions, produce maps, track layers and prevent heterogeneity from being completely mixed during dissolution.
There is no universal answer. Femtosecond is especially attractive when thermal effects, craters, thin layers and matrix variations are critical. Excimer 193 nm is a widely established and extremely flexible solution for bulk, geology and fast imaging. The decision depends on the application and spectrometer.
Iridia and Iridia Femto were designed to work with rapid pulse responses, low dispersion cells and high repetition rates. The choice between them depends on matrix, desired resolution, quantification, speed and need to minimize thermal effects.
Yes. There are couplings with ICP-MS quadrupole, ICP-MS/MS, ICP-TOF-MS and MC-ICP-MS. Communication, transport and method are configured according to the model and analytical objective.
Yes. isotope ratios can be measured by MC-ICP-MS and, with the appropriate interface, there are LA-IRMS applications. There are also Fusions systems for noble gas mass spectrometry. It is essential to define which isotopes, matrix, precision and spatial resolution are needed.
These parameters are interdependent. Smaller spots require compatible optics, positioning and transport; fast imaging calls for low dispersion; bulk analysis and isotope ratios may require longer and flat signals. Therefore the cell should not be chosen separately from the application.
SENS technical consulting
Specify the materials, elements or isotopes of interest, spatial resolution, throughput and spectrometer available. SENS helps define source, cell, transport, software and coupling strategy.