抄録
Micro-sampling techniques in geochemistry are indispensable in analysis of the elemental and isotopic composition of geochemical materials, which improves the spatial resolution of sample collection for analysis. Techniques of physical sample separation on micrometer scale, so-called micromilling, have been developed as a useful tool for micro-sampling, together with the laser ablation techniques. Micromilling is equivalent to or better than the laser ablation in terms of the spatial resolution, and avoids the chemical alternation, isotopic fractionation and interference of organic matter that have often reported during the laser ablating. The latest micromilling equipment is able to collect micro-samples of irregular geometry. Improvement was also seen in the recovery ratio of the milled sample, which is one of the problems regarding micromilling techniques. Technological innovations in the physical micro-sampling will expand the application of high-resolution geochemistry.
