LA-ICPMS Explained
LA-ICPMS can analyze unprocessed samples and each analysis takes only 1-2 minutes. An ultraviolet laser (argon-fluoride excimer laser) shoots a tiny (10-50 micrometer diameter) spot of the sample, which ejects material from the sample. This ejecta is sucked up in helium gas flow and delivered to the intake of the inductively coupled mass spectrometer (ICPMS). The ICPMS has a 6000 C plasma of argon gas, which ionizes the material ejected by the laser. This is drawn toward an analyzer passing through an electromagnet. The electric current applied to the magnet is used to vary the isotope mass to be measured.