Obiettivo Laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA–ICPMS) is a robust, sensitive, and wide-dynamic-range micro-analytical technique for the spatially resolved determination of elemental composition. In LA–ICPMS, a pulsed laser beam removes (ablates) minute quantities of solid sample, which are transferred online to an ICPMS for elemental and/or isotopic analysis. When combined with precise sample positioning, LA–ICPMS can generate two- or even three-dimensional maps of element-abundance maps across a sample surface. However, conventional ICPMS instruments only measure ions of one mass-to-charge value (m/z) and, in combination with the transient nature of LA signals, this limits the precision and accuracy of multi-elemental LA-ICPMS. Additionally, commercial LA cells are designed to distribute the ablated analyte over a period of several seconds to deliver pseudo steady-state analytical signals; these long residence times increase measurement time and limit spatial resolution. In this project, I will combine recently developed fast-washout LA-cell technology with a new ICP–time-of-flight mass spectrometer (ICP–TOFMS) developed in the Günther lab at ETH Zurich. The LA cell temporally compresses and concentrates ablated aerosol into a narrow plug, which improves signal-to-noise ratio, and delivers it into the ICP–TOFMS for rapid simultaneous and complete elemental mass-spectrum generation (1 spectrum every 33 µs). Fast-flow LA–ICP–TOFMS overcomes the limitations of sequential-acquisition MS approaches, and can be used to produce high-resolution elemental images with measurement speeds two orders of magnitude faster than conventional systems. Current ICP–TOFMS sensitivities should allow trace-element mapping with resolution approaching one micrometer; this resolution will enable novel measurements of both micro-scale geological features such as fluid inclusions and zircon domains and sub-cellular elemental distributions in biological tissues. Campo scientifico natural sciencesphysical sciencesopticslaser physicspulsed lasersnatural scienceschemical sciencesanalytical chemistrymass spectrometry Programma(i) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Argomento(i) FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IIF - Marie Curie Action: "International Incoming Fellowships" Invito a presentare proposte FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IIF Vedi altri progetti per questo bando Meccanismo di finanziamento MC-IIF - International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) Coordinatore EIDGENOESSISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE ZUERICH Contributo UE € 207 928,80 Indirizzo Raemistrasse 101 8092 Zuerich Svizzera Mostra sulla mappa Regione Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Zürich Zürich Tipo di attività Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Contatto amministrativo Nicole Bachmann (Mrs.) Collegamenti Contatta l’organizzazione Opens in new window Sito web Opens in new window Costo totale Nessun dato
