The Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory was established in 2012 and has since become one of the most productive facilities in its field, playing a central role in geochemical and isotopic research at the institutional and national levels. The laboratory is equipped with two state-of-the-art Laser Ablation–Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) systems, enabling a wide range of high-resolution microchemical and isotopic analyses in geological and environmental materials.
The laboratory infrastructure includes:
1) 213 Cetac Laser Ablation coupled Thermo Scientific Element II high-resolution sector field inductively plasma mass spectrometer
This configuration is routinely used for in situ U–Pb geochronology in a variety of minerals, including zircon, monazite, titanite, apatite, and rutile. In addition to geochronological applications, this system is extensively employed for trace-element microanalysis in minerals, supporting studies in petrology, mineral deposits, crustal evolution, and environmental geochemistry.
2) Neptune Plus high-performance multicollector inductively plasma mass spectrometer
This instrument is primarily dedicated to high-precision isotopic analyses, with a strong focus on U–Pb geochronology of low-uranium minerals, such as carbonates and apatite. It is also routinely used for isotopic ratio measurements, including Hf isotopes in zircon and Sr isotopes in carbonates and apatite, providing robust constraints on magma sources, fluid evolution, and crust–mantle interactions.
Together, these facilities allow the Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory to support cutting-edge research in geochronology, isotope geochemistry, and mineral chemistry, serving both the academic community and external research and industry partners.