Quasi-simultaneous determination of U-Pb and Hf isotope compositions of zircon by excimer laser-ablation multiple-collector ICPMS

Abstract

A method for quasi-simultaneous determination of U-Pb ages and Hf isotope compositions on a single zircon spot is developed, by use of a multiple-collector ICPMS coupled with an excimer laser-ablation system. The ICPMS used in this study is equipped with variable zoom lens to change the dispersion of the analyzer and bring ion beams into the collector coincidentally. This feature allows rapid switching between U-Pb and Hf collector configuration, which is used to quasi-simultaneously determine the zircon U-Pb and Hf isotope compositions. The analytical results on three reference zircon standards, 91500, CZ3 and Plesovice and one nature zircon sample, agree with literature/known values, thereby demonstrating feasibility of the method.