Solid samples can be introduced to the plasma as an aerosol of sample particles produced by laser ablation. The UCD/ICPMS possesses a New Wave Research UP-213 laser ablation system equipped with an Nd:YAG deep UV (213nm) laser. We use helium (He) gas as a carrier gas instead of argon, which is a traditional laser ablation carrier gas, since helium has a higher ionization potential (24.6 eV) than argon (15.8 eV). In addition, as helium gas has lower viscosity than Ar, it increases the transportation efficiency (i.e., 2 ~ 5 times more counts, see photos below). Prior to the introduction to the ICP-MS, He carrier gas is mixed with Ar gas.

UCD/ICPMS laser ablation system (New Wave Research UP-213)



Laser ablation crater using argon carrier gas (left) and helium carrier gas (right). Note the apron of debris surrounding the crater with the argon carrier gas and higher transportation efficiency for the helium carrier gas (Sample: BHVO-1 glass from U.S. Geological Survey).