Micromass IsoProbe Installed Sept 1999

Micromass isoProbe

12 collectors ( 9 x Faraday: 1 x ion-counting Daly: 2 x Channeltrons ): WARP filter:

 

 

 

IsoProbe is a new generation isotope ratio mass spectrometer. This instrument combines the ionisation efficiency of an inductively coupled plasma with the advantages of multi-collector data acquisition. Simultaneous measurement of each isotope has the benefit of eliminating time-related instabilities in the ion beam generated by plasma ionisation, providing precision on isotope ratios equivalent to TIMS. The plasma source efficiently generates ions from most elements, enabling simultaneous inter-element isotope ratio determination. As with ICP-MS, sample introduction can be in the form of a solution, or via laser ablation. Instrument sensitivity in solution mode is such that highly precise isotope ratios (<0.001% 2s.e.) can be achieved on solutions with concentrations <50ppb. Multi-collection of isotopes has great advantages for laser ablation of individual mineral grains or solids as it effectively eliminates imprecision caused by transient and unstable ablation signals. The collector arrangement on the IsoProbe permits the simultaneous measurement of the isotopes of Hg, Pb, Th and U (a spread of 36 mass units). Using the ion counting Daly detector in conjunction with the WARP filteIsoprobe schematicr enables isotope ratios to be measured in solutions with 0.5 ppt with a precision better than 0.2% 2sd reproducibility. Hence the instrument is suitable for measuring plutonium isotope ratios in environmental samples. Uranium isotope ratios can be measured with high precision and accuracy. 238U/235U can be measured to better than 0.08% (2sd) on natural ratios on 5ng of uranium.

Shown left is the flight tube of the isoprobe viewed from the collector block towards the magnet. Below is the collector block during assembly viewed from the flight tube end.

The IsoProbe is part of the EC large scale analytical facility (SOCFAC). Details of this facility can be found on the SOCFAC webpages

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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