The principal investigators will test the feasibility of conducting routine stable isotopic analyses of minerals and fluid inclusions using a multichannel laser Raman microprobe. Successful development of the technique will enable analysis of much smaller sample sizes than current techniques allow, and will provide a means for testing isotopic homogeneity at a few per mil level for spatial resolution of a few micrometers. The technique could greatly benefit both geological research, as well as research in other areas.
