MANTIS Lab
Micro-Analysis of Natural Trace-element and Isotope Systematics
The MANTIS lab integrates a number of analytical tools for micro-analysis of solids and solutions:
- Applied Spectra Inc (ASI) RESOlution LR 193nm Excimer laser ablation system
- Laurin Technic Pty S-155 large-format two-volume ablation cell
- Agilent 8900 tandem ICP-MS for laser and solution sampling
- Agilent 7700x quadrupole ICP-MS for laser and solution sampling
- Bruker M4 Tornado micro-XRF with dual SDD detectors and 20 micron polycapillary focus. Online and offline M4 software.
- Zeiss AxioImager A1.m with digital X-Y stage and Zen imaging software
- Nuclide Corp. optical CL stage and trinocular microscope
- Micro-CNC milling station
Sample preparation equipment
- Binocular microscope picking station
- Buehler Minimet polisher
- Franz magnetic separation (LB-1)
- 4-position planetary ball mill with agate grinding media
- Fritsch 8-ton pellet press
- Horizontal laminar flow bench and fume hoods
Major funding for this facility was provided by CFI (Leaders Opportunity Fund), NBIF, Agilent Canada, Xstrata Zinc, Freewest Resources, Elmtree Resources, Wolfden Resources, Puma Resources, NB DNR, and the University of New Brunswick.
The lab is accessible to internal and external users. The lab's research technician, Mr. Brandon Boucher, manages bookings at b.boucher@unb.ca.
Analytical methods
Beta decay chronometry
Our cutting-edge techniques, using primary standards like CRPG Mica-Mg(NP) and NIST610/612, allow us to unveil the Earth's ancient history. With precision, we measure isotope ratios in minerals like Biotite and Muscovite, providing valuable insights into geological ages.
Conventional geochronometers with negligible common-Pb: zircon, monazite & xenotime
Routine laser ablation geochronology of zircon, baddeleyite, monazite and xenotime is now carried out on the Agilent 8900 instrument using ‘single-quad’ mode: Q1 and the ORS act as simple ion guides and Q2 is used for mass filtering.
