Applied Spectra is pleased to introduce the next technical innovation for our industry-leading excimer laser LA (Laser Ablation) instrument, RESOlution – Tandem Prism^TM. The Tandem Prism^TM is the LIBS detector technology, designed to be integrated into our RESOlution-SE instrument to enable Tandem LA-ICP-MS and LIBS measurement capability. The Tandem Prism^TM captures all the optical emission originating from the laser ablation plasma and provides the analysts an access to difficult or impossible elements by ICP-MS alone (such as C, O, H, N, F and other halogen elements) while performing high precision LA-ICP-MS with the RESOlution LA Instrument. Furthermore, sample composition info at major and minor concentration level is detected by LIBS and collected for every laser pulse applied during LA-ICP-MS measurements. The LIBS data is powerful in discriminating and classifying samples, understanding isotopic interferences, and investigating and correcting for abnormal data or outliers (i.e. impact of inclusions or volatiles during geological age determination).

RESOlution TANDEM Concept with TANDEM Prism ^TM

LIBS analysis of F in apatite using F and CaF emission lines

The excimer laser is becoming a popular wavelength of choice for LA-ICP-MS analysis of transparent geological samples due to efficient laser energy coupling and high quality of ablated particles for more precise ICP-MS analysis. The advantages of 193 nm Tandem LA-ICP-MS and LIBS analysis are:

• Efficient and effective laser energy coupling for transparent geological samples – calcite, quartz, fluorite, etc. for both LA-ICP-MS and LIBS measurement
• Ability to expand the elemental coverage to include C, O, H, N, F and other halogens.
• Extended dynamic range (ppb to %)
• Fingerprinting capability – for example, hydroxyapatite, fluorapatite and chlorapatite form of apatite mineral, with information related to OH⁻, F⁻ and Cl⁻ ions by LIBS.
• Quick survey (with LIBS) before trace level investigation by ICP-MS
• Detecting presence of inclusions and other abnormal sample features that may impact LA-ICP-MS measurement

Geological mineral classification by 193 nm broadband LIBS

Complementary LIBS and LA-ICP-MS elemental maps of concrete sample produced by RESOlution Tandem (RESOlution SE with Tandem Prism^TM)

The Tandem Prism^TM is the first of several technical innovations that will be brought to our RESOlution LA instrument in coming months. And it is currently available for SE model and expected to be so soon for LR model. If you would like to receive more information on Tandem Prism^TM and wish to discuss together for your research grant proposal ideas, please contact us below.