A laser ablation imaging system for ICP-MS (ESI model ImageBio 266)

LA-ICP-MSI (Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry Imaging) is a powerful analytical technology that enables highly sensitive elemental and isotopic analysis and imaging to be performed directly on solid samples. This technique has only emerged recently, and we have only been able to identify three suppliers who manufacture this specific type of instrument worldwide. Our use of this system is primarily for bio-medical research (and some plant specimen work) to perform high-resolution and high-speed imaging on biological material. The ImageBio266 instrument from ESI that we selected is optimized to ablate soft biological tissue mounted on a range of glass substrates. It perfectly fits our applications as we don't need to analyse any other types of samples. The ImageBio266 does not require a continued supply of argon fluoride. Being able to maintain ArF supply is challenging in the geopolitical context with no assurance about how the situation will evolve.