The quantification capabilities for nitrogen with laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) were studied. The investigations were carried out on binary calcium nitrides (Ca2N, α-Ca3N2, β-Ca3N2) prepared either with 14N or 15N. Whereas the detection of 14N is completely hampered by interference with nitrogen originating from air, a distinct signal of 15N is detectable. Based on this knowledge the ablation parameters were optimized with respect to the signal intensity of 15N. Subsequently, 15N was determined by use of three different quantification strategies which are presented in detail. So far, the precision and accuracy is about ±5%. Limits of detection of 15N were determined as 5 mg g−1.
