Elemental and isotope ratio analysis

Fundamental processes in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) (instrumental isotopic fractionation, interferences, etc.)

Development and application of advanced analytical methods (mainly based on (Laser ablation)-(multi collector) inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry ((LA)-(MC)-ICP-MS) and thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS)):

• Development of methods for the (automated) sample preparation for relative and absolute isotope ratio analysis (Ca, Sr, Pb, Nd)
• Development of an optimized double spike calibration strategies for Ca isotope ratio analysis using TIMS
• Development of novel protocols to assess traditional heavy stable (Sr, Pb, Nd) and non-traditional (Ca) light stable isotope ratios
• Development of a combined chemical imaging approach to evaluate the diagenetic status of (pre)historic bone material (using (MC) LA-ICP-MS and NIR-HIS
• Application of heavy stable isotope ratio analysis to trace human (and animal) migration for anthropological and archaeological research
• Application of elemental distribution pattern (accesed via chemical imaging using LA ICP-SFMS) and isotope ratio analysis (using MC-ICP-MS or TIMS) for biomedical research (e.g., biodegradable Mg implants, Ca isotopes as biomonitor for the bone-mineral-balance)