Optimizing Methodologies in U-Pb and Lu-Hf Analysis of Zircons using TIMS, MC-ICP-MS and HR-ICP-MS

Uranium-lead geochronology provides valuable insight into the timing and rates of various geological processes throughout Earth’s history.

Isotope dilution thermal ionization mass spectrometry is the most precise and accurate technique for U-Pb geochronology. This technique is generally applied to single zircon crystals or crystal fragments yielding small amounts of Pb (typically < 100 pg) and U (approximately 1 ng) following separation by chromatographic techniques in a very clean environment. Precise and accurate analysis of such small samples requires sensitive ion detection systems.

For higher spatial resolution, in-situ analysis by laser ablation ICP-MS is the preferred method allowing routine, high sample throughput U-Pb dating. For challenging zircons with low U and Pb content, high sensitivity is crucial.

The combination of U-Pb with the Lu-Hf chronometer in zircon is a very powerful and commonly used tool in the geosciences for investigating the processes that control crust-mantle evolution and their timing. Laser ablation multicollector ICP-MS enables determination of high precision in-situ Lu-Hf data required for reliable interpretation.

This webinar highlights the latest advances in U-Pb and Lu-Hf analysis of zircons by Isotope Dilution TIMS, as well as in-situ laser ablation sector field, single collector and multicollector ICP-MS, with a focus on optimizing methodologies using recent development such as the Thermo Scientific™ 1013 Ω Amplifier Technology™ and the Jet Interface.

Presenter: Dr. Laura Bracciali (Application Manager, IOMS, Thermo Fisher Scientific)

After receiving her Ph.D. in Earth Sciences from the University of Pisa, Laura took post-doctoral research positions at the Italian Antarctic Research Program, the British Geological Survey, and Lancaster University. Before joining Thermo Fisher Scientific in 2020 as Product Specialist, Laura was manager of the LA U-(Th)-Pb Geochronology Division at Stellenbosch University.

Presenter: Dr. Grant Craig (Application Manager, IOMS, Thermo Fisher Scientific)

From Scotland, Grant undertook a Ph.D. at Loughborough University, in collaboration with the UK’s NERC Isotope Geosciences Laboratory, on the analysis of sub-micron sized uranium oxide particles by LA-ICP-MS. Grant joined Thermo Fisher Scientific as a post-doctoral researcher within the EU ITN "IsoNose," and is currently the Application Manager for MC-ICP-MS.

Presenter: Dr. Hauke Vollstaedt (Product and Application Manager, IOMS, Thermo Fisher Scientific)

Hauke received his Ph.D. at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel. At the University of Bern, he continued researching in the field of non-traditional stable isotopes by measuring Se isotope composition in meteorites and lunar rocks. Since 2017, Hauke has been working at Thermo Fisher Scientific as Application and Product Manager TIMS, MC-ICP-MS, and HR-ICP-MS.