Arizona LaserChron Center

Arizona LaserChron Center The ALC is an NSF multi-user facility that is designed to address problems in Earth Science through the generation of U-Th-Pb geochronologic data.

The Arizona LaserChron Center is an NSF multi-user facility that is designed to address problems in Earth Science through the generation of U-Th-Pb geochronologic data and complementary geochemical information by LA-ICPMS. Our primary goals are as follows:

Maintain a facility that generates U-Th-Pb ages and Hf isotope ratios of the best precision and accuracy available from a Laser-Ablation Multi

collector ICP Mass Spectrometer. Provide opportunities for researchers from around the world (and especially NSF-supported scientists) to use our instruments and expertise to address geologic problems. Push the development of new applications of laser ablation ICP mass spectrometry. Provide opportunities for researchers and students to learn the theory and analytical techniques of U-Th-Pb geochronology while acquiring geochronologic information. The main instrument utilized at the Arizona LaserChron Center is a Nu Plasma HR MC-ICPMS which is dedicated to geochronological and geochemical research in the ALC. The instrument was installed in February 2009 and is used primarily to measure U-Th-Pb ages and Hf isotope ratios. We have worked closely with Nu Plasma engineers to design a new collector block that is optimized for analysis of U-Th-Pb and Hf isotopes. Twelve faraday collectors are arranged to measure 238U, 232Th, and 180-171 (for Hf, Lu, and Yb), whereas four low-side ion counters measure 208-204Pb. All Faraday collectors are equipped with 3x1011 ohm resistors for enhanced signal/noise at low signal intensity. A new Photon Machines Analyte G2 excimer laser, equipped with a HelEX ablation chamber, is connected to the Nu ICPMS. Support for the Arizona LaserChron Center is provided by the NSF Instrumentation and Facilities Program. The center is a multi-user facility, available to all NSF-supported researchers as well as students and researchers from around the world. NSF funding allows us to reduce the cost of NSF-supported research by ~50%, with additional support available to subsidize research conducted by students. Additional information about NSF multi-user facilities is available at http://www.nsf.gov/geo/ear/if/facil.jsp. Please contact Mark Pecha ([email protected]), manager of the ALC, for information about analytical methods, schedules, costs, support letters, etc.

Problem solvers working on our new offline spot targeting program, Crystal Site Selector. Go team!!!
04/12/2018

Problem solvers working on our new offline spot targeting program, Crystal Site Selector. Go team!!!

From the Cal State Fullerton crew!!
04/04/2018

From the Cal State Fullerton crew!!

Support adding a Geochronology Division to GSA! Sign the survey! Geochronology is a tool used by countless disciplines. ...
03/19/2018

Support adding a Geochronology Division to GSA! Sign the survey!

Geochronology is a tool used by countless disciplines. Adding this division would improve coordination efforts of labs and build better connections with other research communities.

If you are a member of GSA, add your signature of support using the link below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe04V9ytw6U6ZRYdu6gDJUmhgny5BKtBPsANwkCsjSaYIoSqQ/viewform.

Filling out the information requested below and submitting this form establishes you as a signatory on our application to form a Geochronology Division at the GSA. As a signatory, you support a Geochronology division and would consider joining such a division. NOTE: You must be a member of GSA to co...

Baking again for the holidays after an exciting Ion Counter repair!
12/01/2017

Baking again for the holidays after an exciting Ion Counter repair!

COOL SE and CL images of inclusions in zircons!
11/30/2017

COOL SE and CL images of inclusions in zircons!

11/03/2017

TUCSON, AZ—Saying that a tectonic shift in the landmasses’ relationship was the likeliest source, geologists at the University of Arizona told reporters Monday that the continents may have drifted apart after an emotional falling-out. “It appears from the geologic record that the continents separate...

And the post-doc to be; Kurt Sundell!!
10/21/2017

And the post-doc to be; Kurt Sundell!!

John Valley talking about oxygen isotopes. Rock on GSA 2017 short course!
10/21/2017

John Valley talking about oxygen isotopes. Rock on GSA 2017 short course!

GSA 2017 short course with John Valley, George Gehrels and Jay Chapman!!
10/21/2017

GSA 2017 short course with John Valley, George Gehrels and Jay Chapman!!

This link has amazing photos and information, but check out Hyperion! Biggest pumice, or what looks to be pumice, piece...
09/18/2017

This link has amazing photos and information, but check out Hyperion! Biggest pumice, or what looks to be pumice, piece I've ever seen!

Cassini has been out there hard at work for a long time. The Saturn probe departed Earth in 1997 and spent seven years speeding across the solar system to arrive in orbit around the ringed planet in 2004.

And a cathodoluminescence image of igneous zircons which were collected from the Catalina Mountains. Note the core and ...
09/07/2017

And a cathodoluminescence image of igneous zircons which were collected from the Catalina Mountains. Note the core and rim differences which reveal inheritance from another melt!

Check out the cathodoluminescence image on this detrital zircon mount! Fantastic work by the SEM lab!
09/07/2017

Check out the cathodoluminescence image on this detrital zircon mount! Fantastic work by the SEM lab!

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1040 E 4th Street Gould Simpson Bld #77
Tucson, AZ
85721

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