GGR Biennial Review: Advances in Laser Ablation and Solution ICP-MS from 2008 to 2009 with Particular Emphasis on Sensitivity Enhancements, Mitigation of Fractionation Effects and Exploration of New Applications

Recent developments from 2008 to 2009 in ICP-MS engineering, methods and applications are reviewed here. Of particular emphasis are advances in: (a) maximising sensitivity and reducing elemental/isotopic fractionation during laser ablation processing; (b) developing new analytical techniques to measure major, minor and trace element abundances without depending on matrix-matched calibrating materials, pre-determined internal standard concentrations and/or multiple analytical methods; (c) applying in situ and solution-based ICP-MS techniques to the analysis of forensic materials for criminal and/or nuclear investigations; and (d) improving precision and limits of detection of laser ablation multi-collector ICP-MS measurements of (ultra) trace elemental and isotopic abundances.