Advances in fluid inclusion analysis using the nuclear microprobe

The steady development, since 1987, of nuclear microprobe methods for in situ, non-destructive fluid inclusion analysis has resulted in techniques for standardless, quantitative analysis of individual fluid inclusions in minerals. These techniques offer detection sensitivities of around 20-50 ppm in the fluid using PIXE, in a short analysis time, and provide simultaneous multi-element data. PIXE is complemented by γ-ray analysis using PIGE, which provides a useful, simultaneous light element (Li, B, F, Na, Mg, Al) detection capability, and by H recoil analysis using ERDA. These techniques have been used to tackle problems in a range of geological environments, and have yielded unique insight into ore forming processes in magmatic-hydrothermal systems