Analysis

For SHRIMP analysis, samples must be prepared so that they can provide accurate analyses. In general the mounts are 25mm rounds. Samples must be polished and characterized through various types of imaging (visual, electron). Samples must be coated with a conductive material (typically gold, carbon) to avoid sample charging. Finally experimental routines must be designed to convert the measured ion abundances into actual concentrations and isotopic ratios.

Ilmenite (FeTiO3) grains for oxygen isotope analysis.