Clean Laboratory

The Clean Laboratory for research in Earth and planetary systems is a metal-free, positive air pressure clean room, Class 100, with laminar-flow clean hoods. 

You can use the lab to prepare rock, soil and water samples for isotope analysis that has to be carried out in an environment free of any metals. By analysing trace levels of elements ranging from lithium to lead we can examine past environments, date rocks and investigate the origins of the Earth.

Birkbeck students at all levels of study use the clean laboratory for teaching and research.

Contact Dr Philip Hopley if you have questions about the lab.

Current projects  

Researchers are using the laboratory for the following projects:

• North China Craton: A Unique Window into the Earth's Middle Age (National Environment Research Council). 
• Quantifying the Habitable Planet (Royal Society). 
• Quantifying the Link between Weathering and Past Co2 Levels (European Research Council). 
• Research commissioned by Petrobras. 

The laboratory is also fundamental to the work carried out in the metal isotope facility at University College London (UCL).