The SHRIMP RG has capabilities that are common to most ion microprobes, that is the direct sampling of a target through sputtering a small volume of material. The special feature of the SHRIMP RG is the capability of extremely high mass resolution which allows the exclusion of more isobaric interferences. Trace element analysis is being carried out at high mass resolution rather than using the energy filtering technique. We are currently working on the development of a set of standards of geologically useful materials.

SHRIMPs are well known for U-Pb geochronology, and we have developed highly successful protocols for zircon analysis. In addition, the high abundance sensitivity of the SHRIMP RG has allowed us to identify the isobaric interference under Pb-204 in monazite as doubly charged ThNdO2.

Cesium ion source and electron gun fitted to SHRIMP RG

Cosmochemistry

Monazite Analysis

Osmium Isotope Studies

Research by USGS scientists

Trace Elements in Corals

Zircon Analysis