Laser Ablation-Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (LA-IRMS) – A Primer by Cipiran Stremtan

Introduction

Laser Ablation-Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (LA-IRMS) is an advanced analytical technique used to measure the isotopic composition (light stable isotopes) of solid and liquid samples with high spatial resolution, minimal sample preparation and minimal sample loss. This method combines laser ablation, which involves the precise removal of material – or liberation of gas – from a sample using a focused laser beam, with isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), which measures the relative abundance of isotopes in the ablated material (in the gas phase). LA IRMS is particularly valuable for analysing carbon and oxygen isotope ratios in various materials, including geological, biological, and environmental samples.

While LA IRMS is not a new analytical technique [1–3], recent developments in laser and ablation chamber technology have made it on-par with more traditional approaches for the analysis of solids (e.g., elemental analysers) when it comes to accuracy and precision, while enabling users to achieve unrivalled spatial resolution for their samples (e.g., tens of microns in range). Contrary to EA-IRMS, LA-IRMS is a minimally invasive method of analysis. This is of particular merit to researchers working with valuable and unique samples.

Download the full primer here.

To explore how LA-IRMS techniques can be applied to your field of study, contact Garry at [email protected].

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