A New Mapping Protocol for Laser Ablation (withFast‐Funnel) Coupled to aTime‐of‐FlightMass Spectrometer (LA‐FF‐ICP‐ToF‐MS) for the Rapid, Simultaneous Quantification of Multiple Minerals

Abstract

Althoughin situanalysis by LA‐ICP‐MS is considered a rapid technique with minimal sample preparation and data reduction, mapping areas of millimetres in size using a small beam (< 15 μm) can be time consuming (several hours) when a quadrupole ICP‐MS is used. In addition, fully quantitative imaging using internal standardisation by LA‐ICP‐MS is challenging in samples with more than one mineral phase present due to varying ablation rates. A new protocol for the quantification of multiple coexisting phases, mapped at a rate of about 12 mm2h‐1and a resolution of 12 μm × 12 μm per pixel, is presented. The protocol allows mapping of most atomic masses, ranging from23Na to238U, using a time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer (ICP‐ToF‐MS, TOFWERK) connected to a 193 nm excimer laser. A fast‐funnel device was successfully used to increase the aerosol transport speed, reducing the time usually required for mapping by a factor of about ten compared with a quadrupole ICP‐MS. The lower limits of detection for mid and heavy masses are in the range 0.1–10 μg g‐1, allowing determination of trace to ultra‐trace elements. The presented protocol is intended to be a routine analytical tool that can provide greater access to the spatial distribution of major and trace elements in geological materials.