Micro-ablation, a new technique to remove drilling fluids and other contaminants from fragmented and fissile rock material

We present a new methodology, micro-ablation, that can remove sub-millimeter layers of contaminated surfaces from pieces of sedimentary rock that are too small or irregularly shaped to be trimmed using a saw. Recognizing traces of contaminants is crucial when analyzing samples with low indigenous bitumen content or interpreting trace biomarker components in hydrocarbon rich samples. Quantitative analysis of individual hydrocarbons in the interior and exterior of these rock fragments can then help to distinguish between autochthonous and allochthonous hydrocarbons.