Plasma 3

MC-ICP-MS

The Reference: Conventional MC-ICP-MS - Established performance for traditional and non-traditional isotope systems.

Product Details

Overview

From traditional radiogenic isotopes systems like Sr, Nd, Hf or Pb to non-traditional isotope systems including Li, B or transition metals – Plasma 3 is the reference when it comes to versatile and reliable high precision and accuracy isotope ratio analysis across the periodic table.

Plasma 3 is a conventional MC-ICP-MS that delivers high sensitivity and reliable performance for various sample introduction techniques including laser ablation or desolvation. Combining a high-sensitivity plasma source and interface with a double-focusing geometry and a multicollection array, the established design is ideal for conventional applications, standardised workflows and high throughput environments.
Its unique zoom optics for peak alignment in combination with a static multi-collection array enable fast and reproducible switching between isotope system setups, making Plasma 3 a flexible all-rounder in many laboratories.

Dedicated and customisable ion counting solutions for applications such as U-Pb dating via laser ablation, U-Th series applications, or actinide analysis with ultralow abundance sensitivity requirements further allow users to tailor Plasma 3 for special requirements.

Key Benefits

Fast Setup and Switching between Isotope Systems

Reliable and reproducible ion optics and electronics in combination with a static multi-collection array allow for reloading method setups for fast switching between isotopes systems from Li to actinides.

Interference Resolution

Adjustable high-resolution capabilities enable the physical resolution of interferences on isotope systems such as Si, K, Ti or Fe.

Flexible Multi-Collection

Sixteen Faraday cups with software-switchable dual resistor pre-amplifiers and up to six ion counters enable simultaneous low noise multi-collection of isotope abundances from 100s of Volts to individual counts.

Tailored Ion Counting

A choice between discrete dynode secondary electron multipliers and Daly detectors can be arranged in tailored configurations for, e.g., U-Pb dating, U-Th series or actinides monitoring to achieve the best performance for low signal analysis.

Ultralow Abundance Sensitivity

Additional energy (deceleration) filters enable low abundance sensitivity isotope ratios analysis for U-Th series applications or actinide analysis. The unique enhanced abundance transfer optics (EATO) further allow for ultralow abundance sensitive actinide applications by filtering Ar from the mass spectrum.

Specifications

Key Specifications for Plasma 3

Feature	Details	Standard	Option
Variable Resolution Modes	LR, MR, HR	X
Faraday cups	16	X
Switchables (Ohm)	10¹⁰, 10¹², 10¹³		X
Ion counters	Up to 6 SEMs or Daly detectors		X
Energy filters	Up to 6		X
EATO	Ar filtering for Actinides	X

Software

The Plasma 3 software platform combines instrument control, data acquisition and data processing within a single integrated environment. Designed to maximise laboratory productivity and enable high user flexibility, the software integrates third-party accessories such as autosamplers or laser ablation systems with dedicated tuning files for high sample throughput and fast method setup and switching.

Integrated Instrument Control

Manage instrument tuning, collector configurations, inlet systems, and analytical methods from a unified interface.

Real-Time System Monitoring

Continuously monitor and log detector signals, peak positions, vacuum performance, and instrument status.

Online Data Processing & Output

The integrated NICE editor enables dedicated method scripts for online data processing and monitoring of measured and corrected isotope ratios, alongside with automated export of all data (raw data, logs, results, and instrument settings) in accessible formats.

Upgrades and Spares

Spare parts and consumables are readily available to help maintain peak instrument performance throughout the lifetime of a Plasma 3 instrument. For laboratories looking to extend capabilities with optional features or benefit from the latest developments, a range of field-upgradeable options are available through our Service team:

Enhanced abundance transfer optics (EATO)
Switchable resistor pre-amplifiers
Ion counters (SEMs and Daly detectors)
Energy (deceleration) filters

The Plasma 3 plasma source and interface are retrofittable to Plasma II instruments. - view all upgrade options.

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Earth & Planetary Sciences

In Situ U-Pb Dating in Carbonates by Laser Ablation

Geodynamic processes at Earth's surface and in its interior evolve over millions of years imprinting distinct isotopic fractionation and radiogenic signatures into the geological record. Accurate and precise determination of these minor variations in isotopic abundances at high spatial resolution can be achieved via in situ laser ablation analysis with Plasma 3 such as for U-Pb dating.

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Nuclear Industry & Safeguarding

Major and Minor U Isotope Ratio Analysis in Nuclear Materials

Reliability and safety are at the forefront of nuclear energy generation and radioactive material handling. Plasma 3 with its unique ion counting capabilities enable robust detection of major and minor radioisotopes and actinides for rapid reactor fuel characterisation or monitoring of radiation contamination levels in the environment.

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Environment & Climate

Low Signal/Low Noise B Isotope Analysis in Corals

Isotope ratio systematics in carbonates, ice cores, or soils provide valuable information about past and present environmental conditions that are crucial for the understanding and protection of Earth's ecosystem. Often present at trace elements level, the low-noise detection of Plasma 3 enables accurate and precise isotope measurements of the smallest samples sizes such as for B isotope ratios in corals.

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Biomedical Research

High Resolution Ca isotope Analysis in Kidney Stones

Isotope ratios as tracers of metabolic processes are an emerging and promising tool in finding treatments and cures for diseases. Plasma 3 enables highly precise isotope ratio determinations of, e.g., Ca isotopes to trace kidney diseases while resolving limiting interferences.

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