Peter Hooper GeoAnalytical Lab

The WSU GeoAnalytical Lab has been providing analyses of rocks and minerals to the geologic research community beginning in 1978. We house a Finnigan Neptune and a Finnigan Element2, both with optional laser ablation (New Wave 213 nm) sampling, a Thermo-ARL automated X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF), a Siemens automated X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD), an Agilent inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), a JEOL JXA-8500F field emission electron microprobe/scanning electron microscope, and two automated Finnigan-MAT gas source mass spectrometers.

Our analytical capabilities include bulk rock and mineral elemental analyses for approximately 50 elements, and measurement of nearly any isotopic ratio. We have electron microbeam, microdrilling, and laser ablation sampling options for the analysis of major and trace element concentrations and isotopic ratios at the micro-scale (a few tenths to tens of microns). Our facility includes a large prep lab equipped with grinding media, including an agate planetary ball mill and tungsten carbide and steel ring mills, as well as a large high temperature furnace and diamond polishing equipment. Acid digestions for ICP samples are done in a perchloric rated hood. Solutions for isotopic ratio measurements are extracted in a world-class clean room (HEPA filtered class 1000). Both laser fluorination and gas bench sampling are utilized for light element isotopic measurements.

John A. Wolff – Lab Director and Professor, SoE
Igneous Petrology & Volcanology
Email: jawolff@wsu.edu
Phone: 509-335-2825

Charles M. Knaack – ICP-MS, IRMS, FTIR
Scientific Lab Manager
Email: knaack@wsu.edu
Phone: 509-335-6742

Scott Boroughs – Microprobe, PNW Tephra ID
Research Associate
Email: scott.boroughs@wsu.edu
Phone: 509-335-1626

Ashley Steiner –  XRF
Research Associate
Email: ashley.steiner@wsu.edu
Phone: 509-335-6770

Franklin F. Foit, Jr. – PNW Tephra ID
Emeritus Professor
Email: foit@wsu.edu