Advances in fluid inclusion analysis using the nuclear microprobe

The steady development, since 1987, of nuclear microprobe methods far in si tu, non-destructive fluid inclusion analysis has resulted in techniques for standardless, quantitative analysis of individual fluid inclusions in mine rals. These techniques offer detection sensitivities of around 20-50 ppm in the fluid using PIXE, in a short analysis time, and provide simultaneous m ulti-element data. PIXE is complemented by gamma-ray analysis using PIGE, w hich provides a useful, simultaneous light element (Li, B, F, Na, Mg, Al) d etection capability, and by H recoil analysis using ERDA. These techniques have been used to tackle problems in a range of geological environments, an d have yielded unique insight into ore forming processes in magmatic-hydrot hermal systems. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.