University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Optimisation of laser parameters for the analysis of sulphur isotopes in sulphide minerals by laser ablation ICP-MS

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 06:57 authored by Gilbert, SE, Leonid Danyushevsky, Thomas RodemannThomas Rodemann, Shimizu, N, Gurenko, A, Sebastien MeffreSebastien Meffre, Thomas, H, Ross LargeRoss Large, Death, D
The effects of laser type (Nd:YAG and excimer lasers) and their analytical parameters on 34S/32S isotopic fractionation during LA-ICP-MS analysis were investigated. Laser fluence has a larger fractionation effect when ablating pyrite with the New Wave Nd:YAG 193 nm laser, compared to the Resonetics 193 nm excimer laser which did not produce significant fractionation over the same range of fluence (1.3–3.7 J cm−2). Matrix effects occurred between pyrite and bornite on both laser systems, especially at low fluence. However, matrix effects can be reduced with increasing fluence lessening the need for matrix matched reference materials. The effects of interface tubing configuration were also investigated and the addition of a ‘squid’ mixing device, a coil of small diameter Tygon tubing and a small volume glass bulb, was found to improve signal precision and reproducibility and decrease the washout time of the S signal between analyses. The degassing of air from the inner surfaces of the interface tubing can produce significant isotopic drift (8‰ h−1), hence flushing the tubing prior to analyses is crucial for reproducible analyses. The isotopic composition and homogeneity of a range of sulphide minerals were characterised for use as potential reference materials. We present preliminary data for a large, isotopically homogeneous pyrite crystal (PPP-1) which could be considered as a new isotopic reference material (δ34SV-CDT = 5.3 ± 0.2‰).

Funding

Australian Research Council

AMIRA International Ltd

ARC C of E Industry Partner $ to be allocated

Anglo American Exploration Philippines Inc

AngloGold Ashanti Australia Limited

Australian National University

BHP Billiton Ltd

Barrick (Australia Pacific) PTY Limited

CSIRO Earth Science & Resource Engineering

Mineral Resources Tasmania

Minerals Council of Australia

Newcrest Mining Limited

Newmont Australia Ltd

Oz Minerals Australia Limited

Rio Tinto Exploration

St Barbara Limited

Teck Cominco Limited

University of Melbourne

University of Queensland

Zinifex Australia Ltd

History

Publication title

Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry

Volume

29

Issue

6

Pagination

1042-1051

ISSN

0267-9477

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Royal Soc Chemistry

Place of publication

Thomas Graham House, Science Park, Milton Rd, Cambridge, England, Cambs, Cb4 0Wf

Rights statement

Copyright 2015 The Royal Society of Chemistry

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in the earth sciences

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Keywords

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC