Multi-collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer

The Nu Instruments™ Sapphire Multi-Collector Inductively-Coupled-Plasma Mass Spectrometer (MC-ICPMS) allows for the precise and accurate determination of isotope ratios in many different element systems.  In contrast to most other MC-ICPMS instruments, the Sapphire is equipped with a collision/reaction cell that allows for the removal of key isobaric interferences (e.g. Ar), enabling the analysis of many more elements and sample types which were previously inaccessible.

The Sapphire can perform analysis of solutions following digestion and chemical purification of a sample, as well as in situ analysis when coupled with our ASI RESOLution 193nm Laser Ablation System. Our laboratory routinely analyses a wide range of sample types such as groundwaters, rocks, minerals, cavestones, archaeological artefacts, otoliths, and bones.

Currently established methods of isotopic analysis include the traditional radiogenic systems Rb-Sr, Lu-Hf, Sm-Nd, and U-Pb, and the ‘non-traditional’ stable isotopes Sr, Mg, Cu, Zn and Li.