Laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in archaeometric research

Abstract

Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) is a solid sampling technique in continuous expansion in all types of research fields in which direct multi-elemental or isotopic analysis is required. In particular, this technique shows unique characteristics that made its use recommended in many archaeometric applications, where valuable solid artifacts are often the target samples, because it offers flexibility to achieve spatially resolved information with high detection power and a wide linear range, in a fast and straightforward way, and with minimal sample damage. The current review provides a systematic survey of publications that reported the use of LA-ICPMS in an archaeological context, highlights its main capabilities and limitations and discusses the most relevant parameters that influence the performance of this technique for this type of application.

An improved protocol for 87 Sr/ 86 Sr by laser ablation multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry using oxide reduction and a customised plasma interface

“…Laser ablation offers spatially resolved sampling with spots b 200 μm in diameter; computer-controlled sample stages also allow for continuous profiles to be measured. The benefits of laser ablation also include faster sample throughput, minimal sample preparation and being less destructive than dissolution methods (Resano et al, 2010;Benson et al, 2013). Despite these advantages, the use of LA-MC-ICP-MS for strontium isotope analysis of bioapatites has not been widely exploited.…”

Critical assessment of the elemental composition of Corning archeological reference glasses by LA-ICP-MS

“…For historic glass analysis, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is a good choice, because it offers direct micro-sampling by focused laser beam and fast multielemental determination with low detection limits [7, 22–25]. This method has been widely and successfully used for elemental analysis of historic glasses [5, 11, 21, 26–29], although the lack of suitable matrix-matched solid standards is still recognized as an important limitation and prevents insights into the accuracy achievable with this technique.…”

Chemical Imaging

“…100 Detection limits typically lie in the ng g À1 range 8 and the spatial resolution of laser ablation typically ranges from 2-300 mm. 101 Laser ablation coupled to ICP-MS was introduced by Gray, 102 and early in the 1990s, first incrementally growing biological structures (bivalve shells) were analysed in cross-sections. [103][104][105] The principle of time-resolved analysis of incrementally growing structures by LA-ICP-MS then was extended, e.g.…”