Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS)

Overview

What is IRMS?

Isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) is the study of natural and synthetic samples based on their isotope ratios. The isotope ratio of a material will vary depending on its source and origin as well as on processes that may occur during the lifetime of that material. While IRMS is widely used in Earth sciences to understand Earth’s geological history, it is also used in food authenticity, forensics, medical research, and antidoping testing.

We offer a comprehensive portfolio of isotope ratio mass spectrometers. With more than 70 years of experience building cutting edge analytic instrumentation and with frequent new innovations across the portfolio, our isotope ratio mass spectrometers are the obvious choice for your analytical needs.

Isotope ratio mass spectrometry

Technologies

Gas isotope ratio mass spectrometry

Measure isotopic signatures with extreme precision and sensitivity to provide unique insight into the history and origin of compounds.

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Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Perform accurate and reliable quantitative multi-element analyses at trace levels, even without sample preparation.

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Thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS)

Obtain high precision isotopic information from metal element systems with thermal ionization mass spectrometry.

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Noble gas mass spectrometry

Select from our portfolio of noble gas mass spectrometers to obtain reliable analytical results in the fields of dating, geochronology, and thermochronology.

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New dimensions in isotope ratio analysis

Orbitrap Exploris Isotope Solutions

Open new dimensions in isotope ratio analysis with Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Exploris Isotope Solutions. Preserve intramolecular isotopic information throughout the analysis and determine previously inaccessible isotopologues by the combination of soft electrospray ionization (ESI) and high-resolution accurate mass (HRAM) sensitivity.

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Technology options

Retarding Potential Quadrupole (RPQ)

The RPQ improves abundance sensitivity by an order of magnitude and acts as a high selectivity energy filter for ions with disturbed energy or angle. Both our MC-ICP-MS and TIMS can be configured with two RPQ lenses.

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Amplify your precision with 10¹³ amplifier technology

Limited sample size? Equipped with 10¹³ ohm amplifiers, our spectrometers enable faster response times and extremely low noise/signal characteristics.

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Add MS/MS to your Thermo Scientific Neoma MC-ICP-MS

Neoma MC-ICP-MS comes with the upgrade pathway to MS/MS MC-ICP-MS. This dedicated collision/reaction cell MC-ICP-MS, with unique pre-cell mass filtering technology, allows separation of isobaric interferences.

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Jet Interface

The Thermo Scientific Jet Interface, in combination with a desolvating nebulizer system, increases sensitivity by 10 to 20 times compared to standard wet plasma.

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Extra High Resolution (XHR) option

The XHR option is optimized to resolve interferences introduced by hydrides and other compounds.

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Multi Ion Counting (MIC)

Customizable instrument application needs with MIC packages for varied applications, using ion counters/Faraday cups for fg to μg samples.

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Emission Suppression Technology (EST)

EST transforms NG-IRMS, pausing ionization during sample equilibration, eliminating trade-off between equilibration and precision.

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IRMS software

Automate your research by managing instrument control, data acquisition, data processing, and report generation from one easy software platform with Thermo Scientific Qtegra Intelligent Scientific Data Solution (ISDS). Utilize this software with gas IRMS instruments, high resolution IRMS, and noble gas mass spectrometers.

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Applications

Understanding the world around us and our place within it using isotopes.
From demise of the dinosaurs through to finding new ways to diagnose diseases, isotope research provides critical information about biological, chemical and geological processes. Isotopes can be used to provide information on how ancient civilizations lived, they can be used to date critical events in the geological past and can provide insights into disease pathways. Explore the ways that isotopes can benefit your field of research.