The single-collector sector-field Element2 ICP-MS is used for trace element and isotopic analysis of geochemical and environmental samples, e.g. corals, stalagmites, manganese crusts, natural glasses, inclusions and solutions. Bulk analyses are performed by measuring dissolved spiked samples (introduced by a Cetac Aridus desolvation system) or fused glasses using laser ablation. In-situ microanalyses are possible with the combined laser ablation (LA)-ICP-MS system.

High precision isotope measurements (e.g. Sr, Hf, U) are performed using a multi-collector (MC) Nu Plasma ICP-MS from Nu Instruments. The mass spectrometer is equipped with a Cetac Aridus desolvation system for sensitivity enhancement.

Two solid state Nd:YAG lasers from New Wave (193 nm and 213 nm wavelengths) are available for laser ablation ICP-MS measurements. Analyses can be performed using crater sizes of 2 – 110 µm. Typical applications include multi-element analysis of basalts, sediments and reference glasses, microanalysis of stalagmites, corals, glass sponges and in-situ Pb, Sr and U isotope analysis of melt inclusions and ostracodes.

A successful technique is to melt rock powders to glass beads without any flux agent by an iridium strip heater. The melting takes place in a closed box under argon atmosphere. An automatic computer control serves for 2000 °C maximum temperature using a pyrometer, times for washout (5-10s) with Ar, heat up (10-30s), melting (5-200 s) and subside (1-3 s).