Crustal Imaging and Characterization Team

USGS ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar Geochronology Laboratory

Equipment

MAP 215 Rare-Gas Mass Spectrometer

This instrument was purchased in 1986 and put into operation in October, 1987. It is the prototype of a series of modern high-sensitivity argon (rare-gas) mass spectrometers manufactured by Mass Analyzer Products in England for the analysis of small samples. Five isotopes of argon (⁴⁰Ar through ³⁶Ar) are routinely measured and the data are collected and reduced online by computer. Attached to the mass spectrometer is a manually operated argon-extraction system that includes a low-blank resistance furnace with furnace-temperature controller for step-wise temperature degassing of samples. Multiple samples are loaded into the furnace apparatus and each is step-heated to remove argon for analysis in the mass spectrometer. The processing of samples is done manually requiring continual supervision during the course of analysis, approximately 6-12 hours per sample. This instrument will become fully automated with improvements in the inlet/sample handling system.

» Read about another Mass Spectrometer in our lab.

215 Mass Spectrometer Extraction Line

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