Gas Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS)

Mass resolving power greater than 18,000

The Ultra HR-IRMS combines a 10 kV electron impact ionization source, a high-mass-resolution double-focusing magnetic-sector mass analyzer, and a variable collector array for a resolving power of 18,000. A high, medium, or low resolution setting for each method can automatically be selected for by using a switchable entrance slit.

Ultimate abundance sensitivity

The variable collector array covers a signal dynamic range greater than 10 orders of magnitude, facilitating the collection of more abundant ion beams in Faraday cups as well as single ion counting of very rare ion species. Weak signals can be analyzed with the axial secondary electron multiplier using the retarding potential quadrupole (RPQ) retardation lens, enabling experiments of high sensitivity.

Fully integrated workflows

The Thermo Scientific Qtegra Intelligent Scientific Data Solution (ISDS) revolutionizes the steps involved in isotope ratio analysis with fully integrated workflows, making high-resolution IRMS a routine tool. Qtegra ISDS Software combines all experiments performed on a specific sample into one "lab book."

Modular concept

The Ultra HR-IRMS includes two dual viscous flow inlet systems for handling up to three reference gases together with the sample. This modular dual inlet design allows each dual inlet to be exchanged, avoiding cross contamination of the sample types being analyzed.

Electrostatic detector

The electrostatic sector analyzer (ESA) with a radius of 220mm refocuses the energy dispersion of the ions prior to the magnetic sector.

Entrance slit

The computer-controlled entrance slits can be switched between 5 μm and 250 μm which allows the selection of low, medium, and high mass resolution.

Magnetic sector

The temperature-controlled, laminated electromagnet has a radius of 230 mm. Overall system magnification is a factor of 2, yielding a dispersion of 810 mm. Mass range is up to mass 280 at full acceleration voltage, extendable to 560 at reduced accelerating potential and mass resolving power.

Variable multicollector

On either side of the fixed axial collector there are 4 moveable detector platforms. Each variable detector platform is equipped with a Faraday detector and in addition can carry a compact discrete dynode (CDD) ion counting detector.

10 kV ion source

The gas-tight electron impact ion source with a wide range of adjustable electron energy and variable pumping conductance provides ultra high sensitivity. The ion source preserves clumping and isotopic distribution in the ions because of its low “scrambling” characteristics.

RPQ SEM

The axial detector channel is a dual mode detector with a Faraday cup and a high sensitivity ion counting detector (SEM). In front of the SEM is a retarding potential quadrupole (RPQ) to reduce the abundance sensitivity for measurement of very small ion beams.