The archaeologists at IIRMES support the archaeological community, including Cultural Resource Management firms, by offering solid sampling micro-chemical artifact analysis and thermal luminescence (TL) dating at contract rates. Using state of the art laser ablation and time of flight inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-TOF-ICPMS), and scanning electron microscopy with integrated energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), our scientists can provide chemical characterization of your ceramic, lithic and in some cases, bone and tooth artifacts. Chemical assays can help determine source areas (provenance) of these artifacts, as well as assessing functional characteristics and post-depositional alteration. Our  TL lab is fully outfitted and can provide absolute and relative archaeometric dating on appropriate artifact types.

Some of our recently completed projects include:

· LA-ICP-MS Analysis of Ceramics and Ceramic Raw Materials from the Gila River Indian Community, Arizona

· LA-ICP-MS Analysis of Argillite and Argillaceous Lithics from Southern California and Northern Arizona

· LA-ICP-MS Source Analysis of Obsidian Artifacts from Southern California

· TL dating and LA-ICP-MS on the Virgin Branch Anasazi ceramics in Mt. Trumbull area, Northern Arizona

· EDX Microanalysis and Element Mapping of Small Mineral Inclusions from Chablekal Fine Gray Ware Ceramics