New isotope geochemistry facility launched

The new Cardiff Earth Laboratory for Trace Element and Isotope Chemistry (CELTIC) was launched on 5th April. The laboratory is home to specialist equipment for the analysis of isotopes, which are used in geochemical research for the study of a wide variety of geological processes, from climate change to the formation of planets.

The launch was attended by the new Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of College of Physical Sciences and Engineering, Professor Rudolf Allemann, colleagues from other university geoscience departments and industry partners. Keynote presentations were given by Professor Mark Rehkämper, Imperial College London, and Ian Bowen, representing Nu Instruments.

Much of the research carried out in the School involves geochemical investigation, which was previously completed in the facilities of other universities or the Natural Environment Research Council. This new suite of the latest equipment in a new purpose-built laboratory will enable both staff and research students to develop their expertise and go into more depth with their research.

Professor Caroline Lear, who led the Research Infrastructure Fund bid to develop the new laboratory facilities, emphasised the importance of the labs for researchers within the School: "Having this new facility will enable us to develop innovative techniques to answer exciting questions in Earth Sciences. It opens up whole new areas of research and is already leading to new collaborations."

The CELTIC laboratories comprise state-of-the-art facilities including newly-built clean rooms, laser ablation (Resolution) and multi-collection and high resolution plasma source mass spectrometers (NU plasma2 and Element XR), a high performance gas source IRMS and an Analytical FEG-SEM. This suite allows the isotopic and major/trace element measurements of samples including at high spatial resolution.

The new CELTIC laboratory will complement the School’s existing geochemical facilities.