Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometer
General Information
Isotopes are atoms of the same element with the same proton but different numbers of neutrons and, therefore, different masses. Atoms formed by the radioactive decay of other atoms are called radiogenic isotopes. Radiogenic isotopes provide important data about the source and formation processes of substances and are used in radiometric dating.
Instrument: TRITON TI Mass Spectrometer
The device has been designed for a very sensitive analysis of radiogenic isotopes. It is generally used to measure isotope ratios and determine elemental concentrations in Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, and U-Pb systems.
Sample Preparation and Measurement
The general principles of radiogenic isotope geochemistry analyzes are as follows;
Before the analysis to be made of all rock samples, the rocks are crushed and ground to clay size, sieved, and homogenization is ensured in the samples. If an analysis is made from mineral samples, the mineral fraction is enriched by the rocking table, magnetic separation, and heavy liquid separation methods after coarse grinding and then separated one by one under the microscope. Rock and mineral samples are then dissolved in the appropriate acid (appropriate methods should be determined for samples other than rocks and minerals). By applying ion chromatography and isotopic dilution methods, the element whose isotopic ratios and concentrations will be determined is separated from other elements. The element obtained around several hundred nanograms is loaded on the filament (Re, Ta, or W) in solution. The filaments are placed on the sample wheel and placed in the thermal ion source chamber of the device. When the required vacuum level is reached, the analysis begins. The current passing through the filament ensures the ionization of the isotopes when the required temperature is reached. Ions are moved in the magnetic field, separated according to their masses, and isotopic ratios are determined by counting each isotope in the multi-collector.
The picture shows the main diagram of the device and thumbnails of some parts.
Sample wheel placed in the ion source chamber,
Top view of the interior of the multi-collector,
A Faraday dish.
Specifications
- Elements whose isotopic ratios can be measured: Rb, Sr, Nd, Sm, U, Pb, Th, Ca, Li, Hf, Os, B, etc. Repeatability and measurement accuracy (both static and multi-dynamic methods) are less than 5 ppm at Nd and Sr isotope ratios.
- Ion source: It is very sensitive and adapted for maximum ion transfer in single and double filament techniques.
- Multi-collector: Contains seven carbon Faraday cups, one fixed and six movable.
- Amplifier: Its extended dynamic range is 50 V in positive mode and 12 V in negative mode, enabling measurement of large isotope ratios. It eliminates gain calibration errors by taking data from Faraday cups within a matrix with its virtual amplifier system.
General Applications
Sr and Nd isotope ratios are measured in our laboratory, and 87Sr/86Sr and 143Nd/144Nd ratios are determined.
When we look at the studies in the world in general, it is possible to calculate the isotope ratios of 87Sr/86Sr, 143Nd/144Nd, 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb with the TIMS device and use the U/Pb, Rb/Sr, Nd/Sm methods to be used in the following application areas. Radiometric age determination can be made.
- Geochronology and isotope geochemistry
- Nuclear energy research
- Environmental pollution control
- Archeology et al.
Sample Requirements
At least 2-3 kg of unbroken samples representing the rock is required for all rock analysis. All rock samples are made ready for a chemical process using a jaw crusher and agate grinder in our laboratory. The minimum concentration amounts in the samples; should be 100 ppm Sr for Strontium isotope analysis and 15 ppm Nd for Neodymium isotope analysis. Mineral enrichment is not yet possible in our laboratory; however, the specified analyses can be made from mineral samples with sufficient concentration, ready-made.
General Information
Isotopes are atoms of the same element with the same proton but different numbers of neutrons and, therefore, different masses. Atoms formed by the radioactive decay of other atoms are called radiogenic isotopes. Radiogenic isotopes provide important data about the source and formation processes of substances and are used in radiometric dating.
Instrument: TRITON TI Mass Spectrometer
The device has been designed for a very sensitive analysis of radiogenic isotopes. It is generally used to measure isotope ratios and determine elemental concentrations in Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, and U-Pb systems.
Sample Preparation and Measurement
The general principles of radiogenic isotope geochemistry analyzes are as follows;
Before the analysis to be made of all rock samples, the rocks are crushed and ground to clay size, sieved, and homogenization is ensured in the samples. If an analysis is made from mineral samples, the mineral fraction is enriched by the rocking table, magnetic separation, and heavy liquid separation methods after coarse grinding and then separated one by one under the microscope. Rock and mineral samples are then dissolved in the appropriate acid (appropriate methods should be determined for samples other than rocks and minerals). By applying ion chromatography and isotopic dilution methods, the element whose isotopic ratios and concentrations will be determined is separated from other elements. The element obtained around several hundred nanograms is loaded on the filament (Re, Ta, or W) in solution. The filaments are placed on the sample wheel and placed in the thermal ion source chamber of the device. When the required vacuum level is reached, the analysis begins. The current passing through the filament ensures the ionization of the isotopes when the required temperature is reached. Ions are moved in the magnetic field, separated according to their masses, and isotopic ratios are determined by counting each isotope in the multi-collector.
The picture shows the main diagram of the device and thumbnails of some parts.
Sample wheel placed in the ion source chamber,
Top view of the interior of the multi-collector,
A Faraday dish.
Specifications
- Elements whose isotopic ratios can be measured: Rb, Sr, Nd, Sm, U, Pb, Th, Ca, Li, Hf, Os, B, etc. Repeatability and measurement accuracy (both static and multi-dynamic methods) are less than 5 ppm at Nd and Sr isotope ratios.
- Ion source: It is very sensitive and adapted for maximum ion transfer in single and double filament techniques.
- Multi-collector: Contains seven carbon Faraday cups, one fixed and six movable.
- Amplifier: Its extended dynamic range is 50 V in positive mode and 12 V in negative mode, enabling measurement of large isotope ratios. It eliminates gain calibration errors by taking data from Faraday cups within a matrix with its virtual amplifier system.
General Applications
Sr and Nd isotope ratios are measured in our laboratory, and 87Sr/86Sr and 143Nd/144Nd ratios are determined.
When we look at the studies in the world in general, it is possible to calculate the isotope ratios of 87Sr/86Sr, 143Nd/144Nd, 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb with the TIMS device and use the U/Pb, Rb/Sr, Nd/Sm methods to be used in the following application areas. Radiometric age determination can be made.
- Geochronology and isotope geochemistry
- Nuclear energy research
- Environmental pollution control
- Archeology et al.
Sample Requirements
At least 2-3 kg of unbroken samples representing the rock is required for all rock analysis. All rock samples are made ready for a chemical process using a jaw crusher and agate grinder in our laboratory. The minimum concentration amounts in the samples; should be 100 ppm Sr for Strontium isotope analysis and 15 ppm Nd for Neodymium isotope analysis. Mineral enrichment is not yet possible in our laboratory; however, the specified analyses can be made from mineral samples with sufficient concentration, ready-made.