Abstract
We have developed a new analytical setup for the determination of trace element concentrations in fluid inclusions by UV-fs-LA-ICP-MS. Laser ablation was performed at a low temperature of −40 °C by using a modified heating–freezing stage as the ablation cell. With this method it was possible to successfully analyse 53 of 55 frozen synthetic NaCl–H2O fluid inclusions in quartz, covering a size range between 8 μm and 25 μm down to a depth of 50 μm. The high success rate could be achieved as the 194 nm UV-fs-laser allows excellent control over the opening procedure of frozen fluid inclusions. Trace element analyses were performed with a fast scanning magnetic sector field ICP-MS. The lower limits of detection for fluid inclusion analysis vary from 0.1 μg g−1 (for 209Bi) to 10 μg g−1 (for 39K). The typical analytical uncertainty, depending on the element and respective concentration level, ranges between 10% and 30% (1RSD), based on the reproducibility of experimentally synthesized fluid inclusions. All elements from a stock solution, which behaved inert during the HP/HT experiments (B, K, Cd, Te, Tl, Pb and Bi), could be recovered in the synthetic inclusions at concentrations that correspond within their specific analytical uncertainties to their original concentration of 53 μg g−1. The method represents a highly efficient tool for the determination of accurate trace element data on low concentration levels in small fluid inclusions with a high success rate of >90%. The latter is particularly advantageous considering the commonly time consuming characterization of fluid inclusions.
Highlights
Fluid inclusion studies are commonly conducted in order to gain information about pressure–temperature conditions, and in particular about the chemical composition of deep crustal uids.[1]
The basic principles for LA-ICPMS analysis of uid inclusions have been pioneered by Gunther et al.[5] using a nanosecond UV laser ablation system (193 nm, ArF excimer) in combination with a quadrupole ICP-MS (QMS)
We present a new analytical setup for the determination of major, minor and trace element concentrations in uid inclusions
Summary
Fluid inclusion studies are commonly conducted in order to gain information about pressure–temperature conditions, and in particular about the chemical composition of deep crustal uids.[1] Concerning the latter, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is regarded as the most reliable technique for the determination of concentrations of solutes in uid inclusions for a large number of elements.[2] This technique provides a high dynamic range which allows detecting elemental concentrations from the mg gÀ1 to the wt% level. The analysis of CO2 bearing inclusions are expected to be simpli ed since the pressure is stringly decreased upon phase transformation of CO2(gas) to CO2(solid). We expected that this approach works especially with femtosecond laser pulses due to their low thermal energy transfer, keeping even uid inclusions with low ice melting temperatures (e.g. À65 C) in their frozen state. Nanosecond laser ablation results in signi cant conductive heat transfer within a layer of several mm.[19]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
