Acquisition of a Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometer for Studies in the Solid Earth and Planetary Sciences

Carnegie Institution Of Washington, Washington DC

Investigators

Abstract

0320589 Carlson This grants provide support for acquisition of a state-of-the-art thermal ionization mass spectrometer (TIMS) to be used for isotopic research in the earth and planetary sciences at Carnegie's Department of Terrestrial Magnetism (DTM). The new instrument will supercede an 18-yr old VG-354 that is still functioning but lacks the capability for the highest precision measurement of a number of radiogenic isotopes of interest for geochemical research (e.g. Os, Nd, Sr). The new TIMS will complement two multi-collector ICP-MS instruments at DTM that are employed in a multitude of geochemical research projects requiring high precision trace element and isotopic data. The new TIMS will be used for isotopic research on the early evolution of the solid earth, timing of core formation, studies in mantle chemical dynamics and igneous petrogenesis. The instrument will also serve to train the next generation of instrument-savvy isotope geochemists through the CIW-DTM postdoc program. ***