Multiple collector ICP-MS: Introduction to instrumentation, measurement techniques and analytical capabilities

The technique of multiple collector ICP-MS (MC-ICP-MS) has recently attract ed much attention, because it permits the precise measurement of isotope co mpositions for a wide range of elements. This review article discusses the particular advantages of this mass spectrometric technique and provides an overview of the instrumentation. The performance characteristics of MC-ICP- MS instruments and procedures for the correction of instrumental mass discr imination are covered. The strategies that are employed to avoid analytical artefacts from spectral interferences and matrix effects are also consider ed. A range of applications are then discussed, to provide an overview of t he versatility of this mass spectrometric technique. The diversity of appli cations, which include the measurement of radiogenic and stable isotope rat ios, the determination of trace element concentrations by isotope dilution and in situ isotopic measurements using a laser ablation system, highlight the great relevance of MC-ICP-MS to present and future research in various Earth science disciplines.