Instrument: Perkin Elmer Optima 4300DV

Instrument: Perkin Elmer SCIEX ELAN DRC II

Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry is an analytical technique that requires the sample to be introduced to an argon plasma that dissociates molecules and ionizes atoms. Sample introduction is generally performed via nebulization of the solution. As an alternative sampling technique, laser ablation (LA) allows direct analysis of solids. A large variety of solid samples can be handled either following a dissolution step or using LA-ICP-MS.

Ultraviolet and visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy is the measurement of the attenuation of a beam of light after it passes through a sample or after reflection from a sample surface. The absorbance of a solution increases as attenuation of the beam increases. The concentration of an analyte in solution can be determined by measuring the absorbance at a specific wavelength.

Instrument: Rigaku ZSX Primus II

The X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer in the METU Central Laboratory is one of the important devices used to determine the elemental and chemical composition. Considering that it is fast and sensitive, easy to use, and does not damage the material, its importance in technological and scientific research increases.

Solid samples are dried if necessary, weighed, and digested with a microwave digestion system using nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, and hydrogen peroxide.

Several certified reference materials are available for XRF instruments suitable for rock, sediment, and ore samples analysis. Sample preparation varies according to the structure of the sample and the quality and quantity of elements to be analyzed. Solid samples can be either analyzed directly or be brought into appropriate particle size and pressed using binders, or glass discs are prepared using fusion.

Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) is a single-element technique that measures the concentrations of elements. Air/acetylene or nitrous oxide/acetylene flame is used to generate ground-state atoms. The light emitted from a hollow cathode lamp, specific to the element measured, is passed through the flame and measured by a segmented solid-state detector. The sample of interest is aspirated into the flame, and if that metal is present in the sample, it will absorb some of the light, thus reducing its intensity.