High-precision in situ oxygen isotope analysis of quartz using an ArF laser

High precision in situ oxygen isotope analyses of quartz using an ArF laser are described. The high precision is documented by comparing in situ ArF l aser data with CO2 laser and conventional analyses of silica and quartz. In contrast to the CO2 and Nd:YAG laser, no oxygen isotope fractionation occu rs during in situ ablation of quartz with high power ultra-violet ArF laser light pulses. Therefore, high oxygen yields are no prerequisite for accura te and precise delta(18)O measurements. No data correction are necessary wh en analyzing quartz. The high spatial resolution and in situ capabilities o f the ArF laser technique are demonstrated by analyzing hydrothermally prec ipitated quartz, which shows a rhythmic growth history. A model is also pre sented that explains the behavior of quartz during ablation with ultra-viol et laser. Copyright (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd.