MAGIC Lab (MicroAnalytical Geochemistry and Isotope Characterization Laboratory)

Welcome to the MAGIC lab at the 91±¬ÁÏ! This facility houses an ESI NWR193UC 193 nm excimer laser ablation system coupled with an Agilent 8900 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (ICP-QQQ-MS).

This system was installed in May of 2018 and is used to analyze trace elements and isotopes in a variety of solid materials, from rocks to forams. The MAGIC lab is a collaboration between SECS faculty and the Climate Change Institute at the 91±¬ÁÏ.

The NWR193UC is equipped with a TV3 large format cell, which can accommodate solid samples up to 8×8 cm. A flexible infinitely variable aperture enables analysis spot sizes ranging from 1–150 µm in 1 µm increments. The rotating XYR aperture allows for square and rectangular ablations.

We welcome users from all over! Please contact Professor Alicia Cruz-Uribe (alicia.cruzuribe@maine.edu) for more information.

The MAGIC Lab is located in the Sawyer building, Room 110, at the 91±¬ÁÏ, Orono. The phone number for the lab is (207) 581-2347.

Lu zoning in garnet, Samail ophiolite. Pixel size is 10 µm.

We are currently undertaking fast mapping of trace elements in minerals down to 3 µm spatial resolution. Get in touch if you are interested in doing some analyses with us! 

Mn zoning in white hake otolith. Pixel size is 10 µm.

Techniques under development include:

  • In situ Rb/Sr dating of feldspars

Developed methods include:

  • Trace element analyses of glass, silicates, oxides, carbonates, and sulfides
  • U/Pb dating of zircon, titanite, and apatite
  • Trace element analyses of melt and fluid inclusions
  • Sr isotope analyses of apatite
  • In situ Rb/Sr dating of micas
  • High speed mapping
Trace element maps of mica from the Franciscan Complex, CA. Pixel size is 5 µm.
Rb-Sr isochron for LaPosta biotite determined by LA-ICP-MS/MS in the MAGIC Lab.
Sc zoning in an eclogite. Pixel size is 6 µm.
Y zoning in a spiral garnet. Pixel size is 6 µm.