Acquisition of a Quadrupole Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer, Ultraviolet Laser Lab and Sample Imaging Unit

University Of Maryland, College Park, College Park MD

Investigators

Abstract

0004095 McDonough This grant provides partial support for the acquisition of a magnetic sector-based inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (HR-ICP-MS) and an ultraviolet laser to be housed in the Geology Department at the University of Maryland, College Park. Laser-assisted and solution-based ICP-MS analysis will aid the research of the PI's and numerous other departmental faculty in studies of the geochemical evolution of the crust and mantle, cosmochemical research, U-Pb geochronology of accessory phases, carbonate petrology, experimental petrology and the biogeochemistry of surface and groundwaters. This instrument will complement existing geochemical instrumentation in the department including stable isotope ratio mass spectrometers, thermal ionization mass spectrometers, a multi-collector ICP-MS, and electron beam instrumentation. The critical mass of faculty trained in geochemistry (many newly appointed) and the arsenal of state-of-the-art geochemical instrumentation leave UMD-CP well poised to be leaders in both research and the training of undergraduate and graduate students in the geological sciences for many years to come. ***