Laser ablation split-stream (“LASS”) is a technique that allows for the simultaneous analyses of different
geochemical systems in mineral samples using two or more mass spectrometers. Whereas, conventionally U-Pb and Hf are analyzed in separate sessions from proximal or superimposed LA spots (40–50 µm diameter is typically required for the Hf). LASS allows geochemical information collected by different instruments to be determined from exactly the same ablation volume, avoiding the assumption that serial analyses of
neighbouring sites are not affected by heterogeneity (chemical zonation). Further, sample throughput can be increased.
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