Sapphire

MC-ICP-MS

The Pioneer: Dual Path MC-ICP-MS with Collision/Reaction Cell - Exploring new pathways for isotope ratio analysis.

Product Details

Overview

Accessing new isotopic tracers and applications for K, Ca, or Se isotope systematics or routine measurement of Sr, Nd or Hf isotope ratios - Sapphire advances novel analytical approaches while retaining classical MC-ICP-MS performance for established isotope systems with a pioneering concept.

Sapphire integrates the proven design of a conventional MC-ICP-MS with collision/reaction cell technology in a most flexible manner thanks to its unique Dual Path technology. The Dual Path enables users to switch between classical MC ICP MS operation and collision/reaction cell mode without compromise. The result is a truly flexible platform that combines trusted performance with novel analytical capability, supporting both routine workflows and innovative applications across disciplines.

Elimination of plasma- and matrix-based interferences allows for low-resolution analysis of systems such as K, Ca, or Fe, thereby reducing sample size requirements while extracting more information from every measurement - helping laboratories get the most out of their samples.

Following Nu’s static multi-collection principle in combination with zoom optics for fast and reproducible peak alignment and switching between isotope system setups, Sapphire creates additional opportunities while remaining 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 Sapphire for special requirements.

Specifications

Key Specification for Sapphire

Feature	Details	Standard	Option
CRC	LR, MR, HR		X
CRC MFCs	2 or 4		X
Variable Resolution Modes	LR, MR, HR	X
Faraday cups	16	X
Switchables (Ohm)	10¹⁰, 10¹², 10¹³		X
Ion counters	up to 6 SEMs or 3 SEMs + 3 Dalys		X
Energy filters	up to 6		X

Key Benefits

Interference Removal

The hexapole collision/reaction cell for chemical interference suppression via collision/reaction gases enables low resolution analysis for > tenfold sensitivity gains for systems such as K, Ca, or Fe.

Flexible Instrument Setup

The unique Dual Path technology allows operation as conventional MC-ICP-MS through bypassing the CRC for a simplified setup of conventional isotope systems.

Interference Resolution

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

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.

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.

Software

The Sapphire 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 Sapphire 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:

Collision/reaction cell
Switchables resistor pre-amplifiers
Ion counters (SEMs and Daly detectors)
Energy (deceleration) filters

Environment & Climate

Tracing Microplastics using Conventional Cu and Sr Isotope Analysis

The increasing pollution of the environment and its uptake by living organisms is a major issue in today’s society. Isotopic signatures of contaminants are excellent tools for source fingerprinting and tracing the distribution pathways in the environment, such as Cu and Sr isotope systematics of in plastic polymers measured by a Sapphire Dual Path MC-ICP-MS.

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Earth & Planetary Sciences

Small Sample K and Fe Isotope Analysis in Lunar Rocks using CRC Technology

Precious extraterrestrial samples like meteorites or lunar rocks provide key information into the formation of planets and solar systems, but are limited in their availability for destructive isotope chemical analysis. Sample-efficient and reliable analytical approaches involving collision/reaction cell technology are therefore the method-of-choice, such as using a Sapphire for determining K and Fe isotope ratio compositions in lunar rocks from the Chang’e-6 return mission.

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Biomedical Research

Expedited Sample Preparation for Cu Isotope Analysis in Brain Tissue using CRC Technology

Isotope ratios as tracers of metabolic processes are an emerging and promising tool in finding treatments and cures for diseases. Sapphire enables highly precise isotope ratio determinations of, e.g., Cu isotope ratio changes in brain tissue to study Alzheimer's disease. Its collision/reaction cell technology thereby helps to reduce sample size requirements and simplifies sample preparation.