The application of non-traditional stable isotope systems such as Mg, Si, S, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Ni and Se in geochemistry, cosmochemistry and life sciences has been spurred by the advancement of the multi-collector ICP-MS (MC-ICPMS) over the last two decades. This versatile technique, although widely considered as the standard method for the high precision isotopic analysis of such systems, is limited by the molecular species generated by the argon ICP ion source which cause significant interferences on the mass spectrum of these elements. These molecular species can interfere directly with the atomic ions of the same nominal mass, leading to inaccurate isotope ratio determination. A typical solution is to use the high-resolution capabilities of MC-ICP-MS to resolve or partially resolve the isotopes of interest from their respective interferences, but at the cost of significantly reduced ion transmission. Furthermore, analysis of certain isotopes such as 40Ca is not possible on the traditional MC-ICP-MS instruments, as the 40Ar interference cannot be resolved.
Sapphire is a third generation Multi Collector ICP Mass Spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS), designed to provide the best possible precision and accuracy for simultaneous isotopic ion detection. The instrument retains the unique, patented, variable dispersion Zoom lens enabling the simultaneous measurement of the isotopes of elements from lithium to the actinide series on its static collector array of sixteen Faraday detectors and up to six ion-counting detectors. Ground potential analyser operation provides ease of use and maintenance with excellent reliability. The unique feature of the Sapphire is the Dual Ion Beam paths; a Low Energy path with a Collision/Reaction cell and a High Energy path which by-passes the Collision/Reaction Cell and provides a classical MC-ICPMS optics system.
• Double focusing mass spectrometer employing variable dispersion ion optics (Patented) and employing a multiple collector with no moving parts
• Dual Ion Beam paths; Low Energy path with collision/Reaction Cell and High Energy path bypassing the collision reaction cell
• Instantaneous (electrostatic) peak coincidence changes possible, even between measurement cycles
• All new, innovative torch box design allowing easy connection of a wide range of sample Introduction devices
• Robust third generation RF generator with “Frequency Tuning”
• Enhanced Sensitivity Interface as standard
• State of the Art Ceramic Faraday buckets with field proven active inner surfaces
• Sixteen large dynamic range Faraday detectors.
• Software switchable resistor amplifiers - (Option)
• Up to 6 ion-counting detectors can be fitted, choice between SEM and Daly detectors – (Option)
▪ Sapphire limited to 3 Daly detectors in addition to SEMs
• High abundance deceleration lens filter options on all ion-counting detector positions – (Option)
• High and Pseudo Resolution features
• Laminated magnet
• Unique pumping configuration to provide maximum protection of vacuum integrity and pump lifetime
• All vacuum pumps and sensors operated at ground potential
• Full Dry Pumped configuration available - (Option)
• Purpose designed and built, state of the art electronics, with full monitoring of all instrument parameters and power supply status
• Unique software configurable protection trips
• Modern data control software suites operating under Windows
• Small footprint
• Low service replacement costs & low cost of ownership
• Compatible with third party accessories, including laser ablation systems, auto-samplers and other sample preparation devices
• Proven high reliability
Precise measurement of 41K/39K ratios by high-resolution multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry under a dry and hot plasma setting An et al. (2022; Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry)
Calcium isotope measurements using a collision cell (CC)-MC-ICP-MS Dai et al. (2022; Chemical Geology)
Calcium isotope constraints on OIB and MORB petrogenesis: The importance of melt mixing Eriksen & Jacobsen (2022; Earth & Planetary Science Letters)
High-precision analysis of calcium isotopes using a Nu Sapphire collision cell (CC)-MC-ICP-MS Gao et al. (2022; Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectroscopy)
The Timing of Potential Last Nucleosynthetic Injections into the Protosolar Molecular Cloud Inferred from 41Ca–26Al Systematics of Bulk CAIs Ku et al. (2022; The Astrophysical Journal Letters)
High-precision potassium isotope analysis using the Nu Sapphire collision cell (CC)-MC-ICP-MS Li et al. (2022; Science China Earth Sciences)
The Solar System calcium isotopic composition inferred from Ryugu samples Moynier et al. (2022; Geochemical Perspective Letters)
High-precision iron isotopic measurements in low resolution using collision cell (CC)-MC-ICP-MS Wang et al. (2022; Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectroscopy)
High-precision copper isotopic analysis using a Nu Sapphire MC-ICP-MS Wang et al. (2022; Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectroscopy)
High precision analysis of stable potassium (K) isotopes by the collision cell MC-ICP-MS “Sapphire” and a correction method for concentration mismatch Zheng et al. (2022; Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectroscopy)
High-precision potassium isotopic measurements by collision cell equipped MC-ICPMS Chen et al. (2021; Chemical Geology)
Potassium isotopic composition of seven widely available biological standards using collision cell (CC)-MC-ICP-MS Moynier et al. (2021; Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectroscopy)
Potassium isotopic composition of various samples using a dual-path collision cell-capable multiple-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, Nu instruments Sapphire Moynier et al. (2021; Chemical Geology)
Potassium isotope anomalies in meteorites inherited from the protosolar molecular cloud Ku and Jacobsen (2020; Science Advances)
Experimental determination of Li isotope behaviour during basalt weathering Pogge von Strandmann et al. (2019, Chemical Geology)
