W.M. Keck Plasma Laboratory
The W.M. Keck Collaboratory for Plasma Spectrometry in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences (“Keck Lab”) is an important facility for VIPER members and many other users. The lab specializes in the measurement of elemental concentrations and isotopic compositions in natural and other materials using inductively coupled plasma instrumentation. Measurements can be made in-situ using laser ablation or via solution. The Keck Lab also operates a class 100 clean laboratory for ultra-low blank sample processing. For analytical instruments the operates the following: two NuPlasma3 Multicollector ICP-MS instruments – including one with 4 Daly collectors; two Thermo Scientific iCAPQ quadrupole ICP-MS instruments, one for solution measurements and one dedicated to laser ablation; and a Spectro Arcos ICP-OES. The lab also has a Applied Spectra RESOlution excimer laser ablation system for in-situ measurements of elemental and isotopes in glasses, minerals and various inclusions in igneous and other samples. For more details see our website or contact Adam Kent.
Electron Microbeam Analyzer Lab (Cameca SX-100)
The Oregon State University Electron Microprobe Laboratory, located in Burt 150, utilizes and maintains a Cameca SX-100 Electron Microprobe equipped with 5 wavelength dispersive spectrometers (WDS) and one energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) with thin window for light element detection. The probe has high intensity dispersive crystals for high sensitivity trace element analysis, and a high precision sample stage with 0.1 um stepping capability. The probe is equipped with Cameca Peak Site analysis and imaging software. The SX-100 is capable of quantitative analyses from Z = 4 (Be) to 92 (U) uranium. It has the capability for high-resolution elemental mapping and trace element analysis at low concentrations (generally to 100’s of ppm). The probe has a high speed back scattered electron (BSE) imaging system, transmitted and reflected light imaging, and automated calibration and analysis. The Electron Microprobe Laboratory maintains a wide range of in-house calibration standards for quantitative analyses of silicates, sulfides, carbonates, oxides, and alloys. For more information, see our website or contact Frank Tepley.
OSU Argon Geochronology Laboratory
Radiometric ages for volcanic, plutonic, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks and minerals have been determined in this laboratory since the early 1970s. The 40Ar-39Ar total fusion and incremental heating methods are used exclusively. Support is provided by research awards and payment for services from external users. We prepare samples using rock crushing, sieving, ultrasonic cleaning, Frantz magnetic separation, hand-picking and (when appropriate) acid leaching. Samples are irradiated in a flux of fast neutrons at the 1 MW OSU TRIGA reactor. We measure Ar-isotopic compositions of air, monitor minerals and sample unknowns using an ARGUS VI multi-collector mass spectrometer, connected to a CO2 laser gas extraction line. In September 2014 we began commissioning a second ARGUS VI multi-collector mass spectrometer, to be attached to a low-volume extraction line for high-precision single-crystal analyses. See further details at the lab website.
Noble Gas Geochemistry Laboratory
Noble gases are used to study a wide range of geological problems. The primary instrumentation in CEOAS includes a noble gas mass spectrometer (Noblesse model made by Nu Instruments), a high-temperature vacuum furnace and an on-line crushing system for the extraction and analysis of noble gases in terrestrial materials. See further details at our website.
Stable Isotope Laboratory
Alan Mix (OSU-COAS) operates and maintains three gas-source mass spectrometers, including Finnigan 251 and 252 for static mode, and a Delta Plus for Continuous Flow mode (purchased by NSF, Mix et al., ). The latter has C, H, N, and S isotope capabilities via a Carlo Erba EA/GC that has both an oxidation furnace (for organic C, H, & S) and reduction furnace for organic (N). NSF funds will allow purchase in 2003 of a Finnigan TC/EA (carbon reduction 1500C) furnace for analysis of H, O, and C isotopes from a variety of sulfate, carbonate, and hydrous minerals). This instrument would interface with the existing Delta Plus CF mass spectrometer.
