Next Generation LA-ICP-MS Geoscience

This project is an interdisciplinary collaboration that seeks to apply state-of-the-art imaging technology to address challenges in the geosciences. The supervisory team have been at the forefront of developing new laser ablation and ICP-MS systems, achieving a 50-fold improvement in imaging speed for analysis of metals. These innovations are revolutionising analysis in the biosciences but are not yet routinely used for geoscientific applications. The PhD will study range of materials (e.g. carbonates, phosphates, silicates) and applications (e.g. U-series and U-Th-Pb geochronology), demonstrating the applicability of the technique for accurate quantification and mapping of geoscientific materials at 1 um resolution. New data handling methods will also be developed, providing the student with proficiency in statistical analysis.