MRI: Acquisition of a High Resolution Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer and Laser Ablation System

University Of California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz CA

Investigators

Abstract

Intellectual Merit: The PIs are requesting funds to acquire an excimer laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The Element XR HR ICP-MS will replace the current system, which has become unsupportable as key replacement parts are no longer manufactured. The laser ablation (LA) system (New Wave UP193FX) will be a new acquisition for the institution (i.e., not a replacement). The LA ablates solid sample volumes in situ with high spatial and depth resolution, and introduces the sample into a variety of analytical instruments, including the HR ICP-MS. The research efforts that would be supported by the proposed instrumentation include: mechanisms and rate of growth and decay of collisional orogens and convergent margins (geochronology/thermochronology); past ocean temperature change (Cenozoic paleoceanography); crust and mantle evolution (petrology/geochemistry); geographic variation and population dynamics of fish (otolith microchemistry); and exposure pathways and neurotoxic actions of lead and manganese in vertebrates (environmental toxicology). The proposed instrumentation will be incorporated into the existing Plasma Analytical Facility, which provides training and rapid transition to unassisted user rates. Broader Impacts: The proposal outlines a strong commitment to outreach through a variety of efforts, including the development of a LA-ICP-MS short course, inclusion of the proposed instrumentation in existing courses involving instrument analyses, and the maintenance of user group e-mail list serves for instrumentation needs. The proposal also outlines the efforts of UCSC to promote participation of under-represented groups and anticipates the presence and use of the proposed instrumentation to enhance these efforts.