Attom ES HR-ICP-MS | Nu Instruments
The Attom ES is a double focussing inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer that has been purpose designed to be the ultimate tool for rapid and precise isotope ratio and quantitative analysis of trace elements in solid and liquid matrices.

Product Details
High Resolution ICP-MS
From ultra-trace elemental quantification to precise isotope ratio measurements in complex matrices – Attom ES is the reference when it comes to high-sensitivity and high-resolution analysis for demanding applications in geochemistry, environmental science, and beyond.
Attom ES is a double-focusing high-resolution ICP-MS that combines a high ionisation efficiency plasma source with a magnetic sector and electrostatic analyser, delivering exceptional sensitivity, selectivity, and robustness for both solution and laser ablation sample introduction. Its purpose-built design, featuring enhanced sensitivity interfaces and stable ion optics, is ideal for trace-level analysis, interference removal, and routine as well as research workflows.
Its unique FastScan ion optics in combination with multiple scanning modes enable rapid mass switching and efficient acquisition across a wide mass range, allowing fast, reproducible measurements for applications such as elemental mapping, nanoparticle analysis, or isotope ratio determination.
A flexible high-resolution slit system together with a wide dynamic range detector, combining electron multiplier and Faraday detection with a unique attenuation system, ensures accurate measurements across a broad concentration range while maintaining linearity and precision. This allows Attom ES to be tailored for challenging applications requiring both sensitivity and selectivity, including trace element analysis, geochronology, and nuclear or environmental studies.

Application Area
Nanoparticle
Attom ES is ideally suited for nanoparticle analysis with its dedicated single particle ICP-MS (SP-ICP-MS) mode, enabling precise detection of individual particles. Ultra-fast dwell times down to 10 µs allow accurate capture of transient nanoparticle signals. Combined with high sensitivity ion optics, this results in very low size detection limits while maintaining excellent signal-to-noise. The wide dynamic range ensures simultaneous measurement of small and large particles without compromise. Integrated NuQuant software streamlines data acquisition and processing for efficient and reproducible nanoparticle analysis.

Application Area
U/Pb Dating
Attom ES is widely recognised as a reference instrument for U–Pb geochronology, particularly when coupled with laser ablation. Its unique FastScan ion optics enable rapid switching between isotopes in 70 µs, allowing precise measurement of transient signals generated during ablation. This fast acquisition, combined with high sensitivity, ensures accurate isotope ratio determination even at low signal intensities. The efficient capture of short-lived signals directly translates into improved precision and spatial resolution. As a result, Attom ES delivers reliable, high-quality U–Pb data across a wide range of geological materials.
Benefits
Markets & Applications
Attom ES combines the proven analytical performance of HR-ICP-MS with an intuitive user experience, making high-resolution elemental and isotopic analysis accessible to both routine and advanced laboratories. Its high sensitivity, flexible resolution settings, and streamlined workflow enable reliable results across a wide range of applications.
Isotope Ratio
Attom ES combines a flat-top peak profile at low mass resolution with fast deflector scanning to deliver highly precise isotope ratio measurements.
Nanoparticle
With dwell times down to 20 µs and exceptional sensitivity, Attom ES enables the detection and characterisation of the smallest nanoparticles in SP-ICP-MS mode.
U-Pb Geochronology
Attom ES combines high sensitivity, flat-top peak profiles, and fast scanning capabilities to deliver precise and efficient U-Pb age determinations.
