Accurate correction for the matrix interference on laser ablation MC-ICPMS boron isotope measurements in CaCO3 and silicate matrices

Knowledge of the boron isotopic composition of natural samples has found wide ranging application in both low and high temperature geochemistry. More recently, the development of boron isotope measurements using highly spatially-resolved analytical techniques is of interest as it is increasingly recognised that many materials are heterogeneous with respect to their boron isotopic composition, and moreover, that this heterogeneity yields valuable information about the environment of formation and/or mechanisms of crystallisation. Here, we build on a recently proposed methodology (Standish et al. [2019] Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom.33:959) which enables precise and accurate delta B-11 measurement via LA-MC-ICPMS by accounting for a scattered Ca interference primarily on B-10. We propose minor modifications to this method via the use of 10(13) omega preamplifiers on the Faraday cup of the detector, more precise measurement of the Ca interference, and improved modelling of the shape of this interference correction. This yields single laser spot 2SE precision of similar to 0.5 parts per thousand with a 70 mu m beam (similar to 7 pg B), similar to 1.4 parts per thousand with a 40 mu m beam (similar to 2 pg B), and a long-term (1.5 year) intermediate precision in a marble standard with 15 mu g g(-1) [B] of <0.9 parts per thousand (2SD). Thus, spatially-resolved information comparable to that achievable via SIMS is possible. Moreover, we show theoretically and empirically that the inaccuracy predominantly resulting from a scattered Ca interference on B-10 is also an issue for non-CaCO3 matrices, despite their typically lower [Ca]. Encouragingly, building multi-standard calibration lines to correct for this interference is also a way forward for silicate glasses, and we demonstrate accurate and precise (<0.5 parts per thousand 2SE) measurement of a basaltic glass with 3 mu g g(-1) [B] using a 74 mu m diameter laser beam (<1 pg B). This paves the way forward for accurate and precise spatially-resolved delta B-11 measurement of a diverse range of sample matrices using laser ablation as a sample introduction system for MC-ICPMS instruments that are characterised by a scattered Ca interference in the region of m/z 10-11.

Automated summary

The study showcases a precise and accurate method for measuring boron isotopic composition in natural samples, offering valuable information about formation environments and crystallization mechanisms. Building multi-standard calibration lines to correct for interferences facilitates accurate and precise spatially-resolved delta B-11 measurements across a variety of sample matrices.