Investigation of multi-layered silicate ceramics using laser ablation optical emission spectrometry,laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry,and electron microprobe analysis

The applicability of laser ablation (LA) inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometry for assessing elemental distributions in layered ceramics was investigated and compared with electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). Ordinary glazed wall tiles were employed as model specimens due to their defined structure and composition. They were used for calibration in the analysis of ancient pottery. A qualitative depth profile was acquired by single-spot laser drilling perpendicular to coatings with a Nd:YAG (1064 nm) laser coupled with an ICP optical emission spectrometer (OES). The lower lateral resolution associated with the laser spot diameter of 1.0 mm led to smoothing of the depth profile due to the averaging of local irregularities. In addition, transverse line scans by ablation across the tile section using an ArF* (193 nm) laser coupled with an ICP mass spectrometer (MS) were performed. LA-ICP-OES depth profiles and LA-ICP-MS transverse scans were validated by EPMA section scans and 2D back-scattered electrons images. The LA-ICP-OES acquisition was less dependent on sample surface and layer irregularities, whereas the transverse line scan over the tile section with the small-spot beam offered insight into the micromorphology of the individual layer. The combined approach revealed the occurrence of individual mineral grains, micro-heterogeneities and the character of interfaces between layers.     

Depth profiling of tin-coated glass by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry with acoustic signal measurement

A pulsed, frequency-quadrupled Nd:YAG laser (266 nm, 10 Hz) coupled to an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES) was employed for depth profiling by ablation of a pyrolytically deposited Sn layer (300 nm) on float glass. The procedure consisted of performing individual ablation cycles (layer-by-layer). A raster with stroke distance of either 50 μm or 200 μm (the raster density) was used as an ablation pattern. The ablation was stopped after each cycle and the peak area of the resulting transient optical signal of the ICP discharge was plotted against the cycle number. The ablation rate of 90 to 20 nm per cycle at a low-energy pulse (6 mJ to 1 mJ) was determined by profilometry. A beam masking was employed to attenuate the laser shot energy and to eliminate the peripheral irregularity of the beam profile. Almost uniform removal of the square area (1 mm × 1 mm) of the coating by ablation was achieved by combining the fitted raster density, beam masking, focusing and beam energy. Different ablation processes were distinguished in cases of the tin coating and the uncoated glass surface. While the coating was mainly evaporated, the uncoated glass surface exhibited a crumbling associated with production of glass powder. This was confirmed by electron microscopy observations. The measured acoustic signal followed the behavior of the emission intensity of the Sn line and was supposed to be proportional to the amount of Sn vapors. The emission intensity depth profile of the Sn coating with graded structure was obtained, which qualitatively corresponded with the depth profile measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry.     

Depth profiling of tin-coated glass by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry with acoustic signal measurement

A pulsed, frequency-quadrupled Nd:YAG laser (266 nm, 10 Hz) coupled to an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES) was employed for depth profiling by ablation of a pyrolytically deposited Sn layer (300 nm) on float glass. The procedure consisted of performing individual ablation cycles (layer-by-layer). A raster with stroke distance of either 50 microm or 200 microm (the raster density) was used as an ablation pattern. The ablation was stopped after each cycle and the peak area of the resulting transient optical signal of the ICP discharge was plotted against the cycle number. The ablation rate of 90 to 20 nm per cycle at a low-energy pulse (6 mJ to 1 mJ) was determined by profilometry. A beam masking was employed to attenuate the laser shot energy and to eliminate the peripheral irregularity of the beam profile. Almost uniform removal of the square area (1 mm x 1 mm) of the coating by ablation was achieved by combining the fitted raster density, beam masking, focusing and beam energy. Different ablation processes were distinguished in cases of the tin coating and the uncoated glass surface. While the coating was mainly evaporated, the uncoated glass surface exhibited a crumbling associated with production of glass powder. This was confirmed by electron microscopy observations. The measured acoustic signal followed the behavior of the emission intensity of the Sn line and was supposed to be proportional to the amount of Sn vapors. The emission intensity depth profile of the Sn coating with graded structure was obtained, which qualitatively corresponded with the depth profile measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry.     

Recent trends and developments in laser ablation-ICP-mass spectrometry

The increased interest in laser technology (e.g. for micro-machining, for medical applications, light shows, CD-players) is a tremendous driving force for the development of new laser types and optical set-ups. This directly influences their use in analytical chemistry. For direct analysis of the elemental composition of solids, mostly solid state lasers, such as Nd:YAG laser systems operating at 1064 nm (fundamental wavelength), 266 nm (frequency quadrupled) and even 213 nm (frequency quintupled) have been investigated in combination with all available inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers. The trend towards shorter wavelengths (1064 nm - 157 nm) was initiated by access to high quality optical materials which led to the incorporation of UV gas lasers, such as excimer lasers (XeCl 308 nm, KrF 248 nm, ArF 193 nm, and F2 157 nm) into laser ablation set-ups. The flexibility in laser wavelengths, output energy, repetition rate, and spatial resolution allows qualitative and quantitative local and bulk elemental analysis as well as the determination of isotope ratios. However, the ablation process and the ablation behavior of various solid samples are different and no laser wavelength was found suitable for all types of solid samples. This article highlights some of the successfully applied systems in LA-ICP-MS. The current fields of applications are explained on selected examples using 266 nm and 193 nm laser ablation systems.     

Recent trends and developments in laser ablation-ICP-mass spectrometry

The increased interest in laser technology (e.g. for micro-machining, for medical applications, light shows, CD-players) is a tremendous driving force for the development of new laser types and optical set-ups. This directly influences their use in analytical chemistry. For direct analysis of the elemental composition of solids, mostly solid state lasers, such as Nd:YAG laser systems operating at 1064 nm (fundamental wavelength), 266 nm (frequency quadrupled) and even 213 nm (frequency quintupled) have been investigated in combination with all available inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers. The trend towards shorter wavelengths (1064 nm– 157 nm) was initiated by access to high quality optical materials which led to the incorporation of UV gas lasers, such as excimer lasers (XeCl 308 nm, KrF 248 nm, ArF 193 nm, and F₂ 157 nm) into laser ablation set-ups. The flexibility in laser wavelengths, output energy, repetition rate, and spatial resolution allows qualitative and quantitative local and bulk elemental analysis as well as the determination of isotope ratios. However, the ablation process and the ablation behavior of various solid samples are different and no laser wavelength was found suitable for all types of solid samples. This article highlights some of the successfully applied systems in LA-ICP-MS. The current fields of applications are explained on selected examples using 266 nm and 193 nm laser ablation systems.     

Correlation of acoustic and optical emission signals produced at 1064 and 532 nm laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) of glazed wall tiles

An acoustic signal was used for the internal standardization of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) of a glazed wall tile. For the LIBS analyses, 1064 nm and 532 nm wavelengths of the Nd:YAG laser were utilized. The tile was depth profiled by a single-spot ablation from the glaze into the substrate. Some lines of major elements Si(I) 252.418, Si(I) 252.851, Al(I) 257.509, Cr(I) 295.368, Al(I) 309.271 nm and Ti(II) 334.904 nm were monitored. The decrease in the optical emissions during the ablation was successfully compensated for by normalization to the square power of the acoustic signal in the interval of 290–340 nm. This approach failed for the lines between 250–270 nm. The results were the same for both lasing wavelengths despite different irradiances. The acquired profiles are in good agreement with the reference X-ray fluorescence measurement.     

Depth profiles of ceramic tiles by using orthogonal double‐pulse laser induced breakdown spectrometry

The potential of a double pulse (DP) excitation scheme for in‐depth characterization of ceramic samples using laser induced breakdown spectrometry (LIBS) has been demonstrated. For this purpose, two Q‐switched Nd:YAG lasers in orthogonal configuration were employed, the first one to ablate the sample (1064 nm) and the second one (532 nm) to excite the ablated material. Light emission was collected by a spectrograph and detected by an intensified charge‐coupled device (CCD) detector. Optimal conditions such as relative laser beam positions, laser pulse energies, inter‐pulse separation and CCD delay time were studied. Depth profiles were evaluated on the basis of various elemental compositions in both layers of ceramic samples. The depth resolution with DP configuration was improved by almost twofold as compared to the single‐pulse approach. The reproducibility of the depth profiles is also twice better with double pulse LIBS. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Trace element analysis of synthetic mono- and poly-crystalline CaF2 by ultraviolet laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry at 266 and 193 nm

The analytical figures of merit for ultraviolet laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (UV-LA-ICP-MS) at 266 nm with respect to the trace element analysis of high-purity, UV-transmitting alkaline earth halides are investigated and discussed. Ablation threshold energy density values and ablation rates for mono- and poly-crystalline CaF₂ samples were determined. Furthermore, Pb-, Rb-, Sr-, Ba- and Yb-specific analysis was performed. For these purposes, a pulsed Nd:YAG laser operated at the fourth harmonic of the fundamental wavelength (λ=266 nm) and a double-focusing sector field ICP-MS detector were employed. Depending on the background noise and isotope-specific sensitivity, the detection limits typically varied from 0.7 ng/g for Sr to 7 ng/g in the case of Pb. The concentrations were determined using a glass standard reference material (SRM NIST612). In order to demonstrate the sensitivity of the arrangement described, comparative measurements by means of a commercial ablation system consisting of an ArF excimer laser (λ=193 nm) and a quadrupole-type ICP-MS (ICP-QMS) instrument were carried out. The accuracy of both analyses was in good agreement, whereas ablation at 266 nm and detection using sector-field ICP-MS led to a sensitivity that was one order of magnitude above that obtained at 193 nm with ICP-QMS.     

Bulk analysis by IR laser ablation inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

Two laser ablation systems dedicated to bulk analysis were evaluated for steel and PVC samples, using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry detection. These systems were characterized by the use of a Nd:YAG laser operating at 1064 nm, the absence of observation device and a large laser spot size. The 1064 nm wavelength was selected to avoid the use of frequency-multiplying optics, and to be less critical to the sampling position. Calibration graphs and limits of detection are given for both types of materials. LODs were in the range 3–120 μg/g for steel, and in the range 0.07–15 μg/g for PVC. In the case of steel samples, similar calibration graph slopes were obtained between polished and unpolished samples.     

Investigations on laser ablation–microwave induced plasma–atomic emission spectrometry using polymer samples

The potential of laser ablation–microwave induced plasma–atomic emission spectrometry (LA–MIP–AES) for the analysis of plastic materials has been investigated. A Nd/YAG laser, operated in its fundamental mode at 1064 nm, was used to ablate small amounts of various plastics. The sample atoms were transported and excited in a closely neighbored continuously running microwave induced plasma (MIP) operated in argon or helium at reduced pressure. A 0.5-m échelle spectrometer, equipped with an intensified charge coupled device (ICCD) as a detector was used for recording the spectra. The amount of ablated material was found to be strongly dependent on the matrix (10–190 ng/shot). Signals for some metals often used as additives in polymers (Al, Ca, Cu, Sb, Ti) and for the elements F, Cl, Br, J, and P in various polymers were recorded in the spectral range 250–840 nm. The estimated detection limits were found to be in the range 0.001–0.08% for metals and 0.05–0.7% for non-metals. Spectral lines of fluorine and iodine could only be measured in the helium MIP. For high concentrations of chlorine and carbon in the samples (polyvinylchloride), a memory effect was observed.     

Analysis of glass by UV laser ablation inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Part 1. Effects of the laser parameters on the amount of ablated material and the temporal behaviour of the signal for different types of laser

Two lasers working in the UV part of the spectrum have been used for the analysis of glass samples. An XeCl excimer laser (308 nm) and a Nd:YAG laser operating at the third harmonic (355 nm) and the fourth harmonic (266 nm) have been selected. The energy was 100 mJ and 5 mJ for the excimer laser and the Nd:YAG laser, respectively. Because of different spot sizes, the fluence was of the same magnitude for both lasers. Crater characterization indicated that the laser ablation efficiency was similar for the two lasers when normalized to the same energy. However, the XeCl was found to be more efficient when the results were normalized to irradiance unit. The amount of probed material and ablated material was measured, leading to an efficiency higher than 80%. The influence of the glass colour and the laser wavelength was evaluated. The XeCl laser provided the largest amount of material but was sensitive to the glass colour. This laser was mainly suitable for bulk analysis. In contrast, the Nd:YAG, particularly at 266 nm, was insensitive to the glass colour and was appropriate for localized analysis. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry was used for atomization and excitation of the ablated material. A good agreement was found between the temporal behaviour of the amount of ablated material and the analyte signal.     

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric study of non-linear calibration behavior during laser ablation of binary Cu–Zn Alloys

Laser ablation behavior of a suite of 10 Cu–Zn binary alloys was studied using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Three laser systems (20 ns KrF excimer, 6 ns and 35 ps Nd:YAG) were used for ablation. Non-linear calibration plots for both Cu and Zn were observed using all three lasers, despite significant differences in laser ablation mechanisms and good stoichiometry of ablated mass. Crater volume measurements were used to determine the amount of mass removed during repetitive laser ablation from each sample. A change in mass ablation rate for samples with different composition explains observed phenomena. Despite the differences in ablation behavior of these alloys, linear calibration curves were obtained when Zn signal intensity was normalized to signal intensity of Cu or to crater volume.     

Evaluation of the analytical capability of NIR femtosecond laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

A laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometric (LA-ICPMS) technique utilizing a titanium-sapphire (TiS) femtosecond laser (fs-laser) has been developed for elemental and isotopic analysis. The signal intensity profile, depth of the ablation pit and level of elemental fractionation were investigated in order to evaluate the analytical capability of the present fs-laser ablation-ICPMS technique. The signal intensity profile of (57)Fe, obtained from iron sulfide (FeS(2)), demonstrated that the resulting signal intensity of (57)Fe achieved by the fs-laser ablation was almost 4-times higher than that obtained by ArF excimer laser ablation under a similar energy fluence (5 J/cm(2)). In fs-laser ablation, there is no significant difference in a depth of the ablation pit between glass and zircon material, while in ArF laser ablation, the resulting crater depth on the zircon crystal was almost half the level than that obtained for glass material. Both the thermal-induced and particle size-related elemental fractionations, which have been thought to be main sources of analytical error in the LA-ICPMS analysis, were measured on a Harvard 91500 zircon crystal. The resulting fractionation indexes on the (206)Pb/(238)U (f(Pb/U)) and (238)U/(232)Th (f(U/Th)) ratios obtained by the present fs-laser ablation system were significantly smaller than those obtained by a conventional ArF excimer laser ablation system, demonstrative of smaller elemental fractionation. Using the present fs-laser ablation technique, the time profile of the signal intensity of (56)Fe and the isotopic ratios ((57)Fe/(54)Fe and (56)Fe/(54)Fe) have been measured on a natural pyrite (FeS(2)) sample. Repeatability in signal intensity of (56)Fe achieved by the fs-laser ablation system was significantly better than that obtained by ArF excimer laser ablation. Moreover, the resulting precision in (57)Fe/(54)Fe and (56)Fe/(54)Fe ratio measurements could be improved by the fs-laser ablation system. The data obtained here clearly demonstrate that, even with the fundamental wavelength (NIR operating at 780 nm), the fs-laser ablation system has the potential to become a significant tool for in-situ elemental and isotopic analysis of geochemical samples including heavy minerals and metallic materials.     

硫化物矿物LA-ICP-MS激光剥蚀元素信号响应

采用193 nm ArF准分子激光剥蚀电感耦合等离子体质谱(LA-ICP-MS)对5种天然硫化物矿物进行激光剥蚀分析, 基于不同硫化物矿物的剥蚀形貌特征和元素瞬时信号响应, 考察了硫化物矿物的元素分馏效应及激光频率、能量和激光斑径对硫化物矿物激光剥蚀行为的影响. 结果表明, 不同硫化物矿物的激光剥蚀形貌和元素分馏效应存在明显差异, 其中黄铁矿、辉钼矿和闪锌矿的剥蚀晕约为剥蚀斑径的10倍, 而黄铜矿和磁黄铁矿的剥蚀晕约为剥蚀斑径的14倍; 黄铜矿、磁黄铁矿和闪锌矿元素分馏因子(EFI)约为1.0, 其元素分馏效应可以忽略, 而黄铁矿和辉钼矿存在明显的元素分馏效应. 在对硫化物矿物的LA-ICP-MS分析中, 选择较大的激光剥蚀斑径、较小的激光剥蚀频率与激光能量可获得理想的信号强度和准确的分析结果.     

Influence of binders on infrared laser ablation of powdered tungsten carbide pressed pellets in comparison with sintered tungsten carbide hardmetals studied by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

Laser ablation (LA) was studied as a sample introduction technique for the analysis of powdered and sintered tungsten carbides (WC/Co) by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP–OES). The possibility to work with powdered and compact materials with close chemical composition provided the opportunity to compare LA sampling of similar substances in different forms that require different preparation procedures. Powdered WC/Co precursors of sintered hardmetals were prepared for the ablation as pressed pellets with and without powdered silver as a binder, while sintered hardmetal blocks were embedded into a resin to obtain discs, which were then smoothed and polished. A Q-switched Nd:YAG laser operated at its fundamental wavelength of 1064 nm with a pulse frequency of 10 Hz and maximum pulse energy of 220 mJ was used. A single lens was used for the laser beam focusing. An ablation cell (14 cm³) mounted on a PC-controlled XY-translator was connected to an ICP spectrometer Jobin Yvon 170 Ultrace (laterally viewed ICP, mono- and polychromator) using a 1.5-m tubing (4 mm i.d.). Ablation was performed in a circular motion (2 mm diameter). Close attention was paid to the study of the crater parametres depending on hardness, cohesion and Ag binder presence in WC/Co samples. The influence of the Co content on the depth and structure of the ablation craters of the binderless pellets was also studied. Linear calibration plots of Nb, Ta and Ti were obtained for cemented WC/Co samples, binderless and binder-containing pellets. Relative widths of uncertainty intervals about the centroids vary between ± 3% and ± 7%, and exceptionally reach a value above 10%. The lowest determinable quantities (LDQ) of Nb, Ta and Ti calculated from the calibration lines were less than 0.5% (m/m). To evaluate the possibility of quantitative elemental analysis by LA–ICP–OES, two real sintered WC/Co samples and two real samples of powdered WC/Co materials were analysed. The results of LA–ICP–OES real sample analysis correlated well with the results obtained by X-ray fluorescence (sintered samples) and pneumatic nebulization inductively coupled plasma optimal emmission spectrometry (powdered samples) with a bias not exceeding 6.5%.     

Calibration graphs for steels by IR laser ablation inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

Infrared laser ablation (IRLA) was studied as a sample-introduction technique for the analysis of steels by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP–AES). A comparison of two IRLA–ICP–AES systems based on Q-switched nanosecond Nd?:?YAG lasers was performed. The beam of the Lina-Spark atomizer (LSA Sarl, Cully, Switzerland) based on the Surelite I-20 laser (Continuum, USA) was moved along a circle. A Perkin–Elmer Optima 3000 DV ICP system was used both with lateral and axial viewing modes. A laboratory-made ablation system based on the Brilliant laser (Quantel) was coupled to a Jobin-Yvon 170 Ultrace ICP (lateral viewing, polychromator part employed). A sample was rotated along a circle during ablation. Linearity of calibration plots was verified at least up to 19% Cr and 12% Ni without internal standardization for both LA–ICP–AES systems. Other elements examined were Mo up to 3%, Mn up 1.5%, Si up to 1.7%, and Cu up to 0.15%. The reproducibility was in the range 5–1 %RSD for a mass percentage 0.5–20% of steel constituents. The relative uncertainty of the centroids of the calibration lines was in the range from ± 4% to ± 12% for Cr, Ni, Mn, Mo, and Si, and from ± 8% to ± 19% for Cu. The lowest determinable quantities were calculated for calibration dependencies. Performances of both the IR-LA–ICP–AES were comparable.     

Quantitative distribution analysis of alumina inclusion particles in ferritic stainless steels by using laser‐induced breakdown optical emission spectrometry

This paper describes an analytical method for determining the spatial distribution of alumina inclusion particles in several ferritic stainless steels by laser‐induced breakdown optical emission spectrometry with a single‐shot laser scanned on the sample surface. For this purpose, an irradiation system, which comprised a Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser with an average energy of 50 mJ/pulse and a precisely driven X‐Y‐Z sample stage, was prepared. A Czerny–Turner‐mounting spectrograph equipped with an ICCD detector was employed for a time‐resolved measurement of the laser‐induced breakdown optical emission spectrometry signal. The intensity ratio of Al I 396.152 nm to Cr I 396.368 nm was measured each for the single shot, while the irradiation positions were step‐wise moved in the X‐Y direction and then the same sampling area was repeatedly irradiated by subsequent laser shots in the Z direction. The number of alumina particles was mapped from the intensity ratio of Al/Cr each for the irradiation points in both the lateral and in‐depth directions, enabling the distribution of alumina particles to be presented. The resolution of our measuring system was 40 μm in the lateral position and 6–7 μm in the depth direction, which were mainly determined by the crater size of a laser shot. A typical size of the alumina particles (several μm) was smaller than their resolutions; nevertheless, the suggested method would be still more effective to give the distribution of alumina particles, especially the coarse ones, because of its rapid response for the analytical result. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Bulk analysis by IR laser ablation inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

Two laser ablation systems dedicated to bulk analysis were evaluated for steel and PVC samples, using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry detection. These systems were characterized by the use of a Nd:YAG laser operating at 1064 nm, the absence of observation device and a large laser spot size. The 1064 nm wavelength was selected to avoid the use of frequency-multiplying optics, and to be less critical to the sampling position. Calibration graphs and limits of detection are given for both types of materials. LODs were in the range 3-120 microg/g for steel, and in the range 0.07-15 microg/g for PVC. In the case of steel samples, similar calibration graph slopes were obtained between polished and unpolished samples.     

Gas chromatography/multiphoton ionization/time-of-flight mass spectrometry of polychlorinated biphenyls

A sample mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) was measured by gas chromatography/multiphoton ionization/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC/MPI/TOF-MS) using four types of laser sources. When a fourth harmonic emission (266 nm) of a picosecond Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) was utilized, highly chlorinated PCBs larger than hepta-CBs were not observed. A fifth harmonic emission (213 nm) of the picosecond Nd:YAG laser allowed the measurement of PCBs from di-CBs to octa-CBs, and the limit of detection (LOD) was several pg for each component of PCBs. The LOD for the total amount of PCBs, which was calculated using the protocol provided by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan, was 1000 pg. The signal intensity of the congeners with chlorine atoms at the ortho positions (non-coplanar PCBs) was enhanced by using the fifth harmonic emission. When the fourth harmonic emission remaining after fifth harmonic generation was simultaneously used, the LOD for total PCBs was improved to 667 pg. The PCB sample was also measured using a third harmonic emission (267 nm) of a femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser (800 nm), providing an LOD of 677 pg. Thus, the two-color beam (266/213 nm) of a picosecond Nd:YAG laser had a comparable, or even slightly superior, performance to the more expensive femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser.     

Elemental analyses of soil and sediment fused with lithium borate using isotope dilution laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

Quantitative analysis using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) remains challenging primarily due to the lack of appropriate reference materials available for the wide variety of samples of interest and to elemental fractionation effects. Isotopic dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) is becoming the methodology of choice to address these issues because the different isotopes of an element represent near-perfect internal standards. In this work, we investigated the lithium borate fusion of powdered solid samples, including soils, sediments, rock mine waste and a meteorite, as a strategy to homogenously distribute, i.e. equilibrate the elements and the added isotopically enriched standards. A comparison of this methodology using two pulsed laser ablation systems (ArF* excimer and Nd:YAG) with different wavelengths as well as two ICP-MS instruments (quadrupole and double-focusing sector field) was performed. Emphasis was put on using standard equipment to show the potential of the proposed strategy for its application in routine laboratories. Cr, Zn, Ba, Sr and Pb were successfully determined by LA-ICP-IDMS in six Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) representing different matrices of environmental interest. Experimental results showed the SRM fused glasses exhibited a low level of heterogeneity (intra- and inter-sample) for both natural abundance and isotopically enriched samples (RSD <3%, n = 3, 1σ). A good agreement between experimental results and the certified values was also observed.