METHODS FOR THE PREPARATION OF MERCURY AND OSMIUM SAMPLES SUITABLE FOR ION MICROPROBE MEASUREMENTS

Using radiotracer solutions of Hg(Hg-203) and Os(Os-185), techniques h ave been developed for sampling these elements presumably suitable for ion probe measurements. Mercury has been electrodeposited on the cros s-sectional area (approximately 5 mm2) of an electrochemically pure Cu wire giving a recovery approximately 25 to 30% at the tip- Similar ef ficiency is found for Hg distillate solutions. Osmium has been collect ed in a Ni-Nis bead after loading its thiourea complex solution on fil ter paper. The recovery in the bead is 80-90%. These methods should be of help for isotopic study of these elements by ion microprobe, The s uitability of these samples for measurements remains unconfirmed.