AUSTRALIS: a new tool for the study of isotopic systems and geochronology in mineral systems

Author： Sie S. H. Niklaus T. R. Sims D. A. Bruhn F. Suter G. Cripps G.

ISSN： 0812-0099

Source： Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, Vol.49, Iss.4, 2002-08, pp. : 601-611

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Abstract

AUSTRALIS ( A MS for U ltra S ensitive TRA ce e L ement and I sotopic S tudies) is a microbeam accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) system designed for in situ microanalysis of geological samples for trace elements and radiogenic and stable isotope data. The AMS method eliminates molecular and isobaric interferences in in situ mass spectrometric measurements, opening up new opportunities in geochronology and tracer applications. Tests have been carried out for measurements of Pb, S and Os isotopes, conducted mainly at 1.5 MV accelerating voltage. In Pb and S tests, precision as high as 0.3‰ has been obtained, made possible by a fast isotope switching system to counter the effect of instabilities in the ion source and beam transport system. In trace‐element analysis, a detection limit for Au at the sub‐ppb level was obtained.