Simultaneous 3-dimensional elemental imaging with LIBS and LA-ICP-MS

Abstract

Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) are used simultaneously for spatially resolved mapping of major and trace elements and isotopes within a Bastnasite ¨ rare earth ore sample. The combination of the two techniques provides complementary measurements for elements that are separately unattainable due to low sensitivity and/or strong interferences. Two dimensional (2D) layer-by-layer mapping, 2D cross-sectional imaging and three-dimensional (3D) volume rendering of elements and isotopes in the Bastnasite ¨ matrix are presented. These results pave the way for improved 3D elemental imaging through simultaneously acquired LIBS and LA-ICP-MS measurements.