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Project

Advanced 2D and 3D chemical imaging using laser ablation ICP - mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and complementary multimodal techniques via image fusion

Laser ablation-ICP-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) can be used for visualizing the distribution of (trace) elements across any solid material with high spatial resolution. The recent development of low-dispersion LA cells has provided gains in throughput and sensitivity of 2-3 orders of magnitude compared to conventional cells. The project focuses on development of methodologies for high-resolution 2D & 3D imaging of samples of a wide range of hardness, morphology, composition and complexity, taking full advantage of this next generation of LA cells. New algorithms and approaches to 2D & 3D mapping will be elaborated. Cross-validation with established molecular and elemental imaging microprobes will be performed to benchmark the new LA-ICP-MS protocols. Enhanced visualization of localized features in 2D and 3D elemental LA-ICP-MS images will be explored by merging these images with images obtained with complementary molecular and morphological techniques, potentially leading to better insight into bio- and geochemical processes on the (sub-)μm scale. Mathematical procedures for registration, data mining and data fusion of these multimodal images will be deployed and further developed, whilst fundamental issues regarding quantification and calibration will be addressed. Multimodal 2D and 3D imaging will be applied to biological tissues to monitor biochemical changes induced by drug admission or by external exposure to (heavy) metals in the context of environmental pollution.

Date:1 Jan 2017 →  31 Dec 2020
Keywords:chemical imaging, Laser ablation, ICP-mass spectrometry, Trace element determination
Disciplines:Instrumental methods