Abstract

Since 2013 the Geoforschungszentrum in Potsdam has operated a Cameca 1280-HR large geometry Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer.  This large-scale infrastructure is at the heart of an open user facility that supports the research needs of geoscientist from around the globe.  The key capability of this instrument is its ability to perform precise isotope ratio measurements on sample masses reaching down into the picogram mass range; access to such micron-scale sampling is often essential for many geoscience applications.  The work of the Potsdam SIMS lab falls into three general categories: the determination of light stable isotope ratios, U-Pb geochronology and the production of new microanalytical reference materials that are intended for world-wide distribution.  During this talk I will describe the operation of our facility and will highlight a few examples of our research output from the areas of paleoclimate, early life and crustal geodynamics.  I will also discuss the limitations of U-Pb zircon age studies with regards to both in situ and wet chemical methods.

Biography

Michael Wiedenbeck moved to Potsdam in 1998 to run the newly established ion microprobe laboratory, which works as a geoscience facility welcoming outside users.  In 2013 this laboratory was upgrades with the installation of a large geometry instrument capable of precise isotope ratio analyses on picogram-size samples.  Beyond supporting visiting scientists from around the world, Michael's work focusses on developing new calibration materials to improve data intercomparison between laboratories.