Sapphire XD

MC-ICP-MS

The Vanguard: Dual Path MC-ICP-MS with Collision/Reaction Cell - Ultimate flexibility and performance for all isotope systems and applications.

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Product Details

Overview

Mass shifting for in situ laser ablation analysis, on-mass interference suppression for low level transition metal isotope ratio measurements, or traditional isotope ratio systematics - Sapphire XD is at the forefront of performance and flexibility for multi-collection mass spectrometry.

Sapphire XD elevates Nu’s Dual Path concept with the addition of the new Xtra Dispersion collector array. It combines conventional MC-ICP-MS features such as flexible sample introduction and high sensitivity with the most versatile approach towards instrument setup and interference control. Sapphire XD allows users to select or by-pass individual features for an optimised method setup without compromise - every system, every mode - for both, routine workflows and innovative applications across disciplines.

Sapphire XD delivers higher accuracy and precision, new isotopic tracers and applications, reduced sample size requirements and increased sample throughout - providing laboratories with effective tools to increase efficacy or advance the boundaries of isotope chemistry.

Key Benefits

Flexible Instrument Setup

The unique Dual Path enables four main operational modes for optimised instrument setup of conventional and novel isotope systems.

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 or mass shifting applications such as V as VO.

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 and operational modes from Li to actinides.

Interference Resolution

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

Flexible Multi-Collection

Twenty-eight 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 for > 25 % mass dispersion and systems such as Mg-Si or Rb-SrF.

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 use of the mass filter further allows for ultralow abundance sensitive isotope ratio applications by filtering Ar from the mass spectrum.

Specifications

Key Specification for Sapphire XD

Feature	Details	Standard	Option
CRC	LR, MR, HR		X
CRC MFCs	4		X
Variable Resolution Modes	LR, MR, HR	X
Faraday cups	28	X
Switchables (Ohm)	10¹⁰, 10¹², 10¹³		X
Ion counters	up to 6 SEMs or Dalys		X
Energy filters	up to 3		X

Software

The Nu CoDaq software platform combines instrument control, data acquisition and data processing within a single integrated environment while prioritizing user experience. Developed in conjunction with our customers, CoDaq software allows for multiple user access levels, automated workflows and customisable dashboards.

The software integrates third-party accessories such as autosamplers or laser ablation systems to maximise laboratory productivity and facilitate data processing. On-click switching between the different instrument modes with dedicated tuning files and switching enable high user flexibility and reproducibility.

Workflow Creation

Create workflows for routine analysis and utilize Python-based scripts.

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.

Options, Upgrades and Spares

Spare parts and consumables are readily available to help maintain peak instrument performance throughout the lifetime of a Sapphire XD 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

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Environment & Climate

Increased Sample Throughout via static Si(-Mg) Isotope Measurements on the XD Collector

Isotope ratio systematics in biomaterials, carbonates or ice cores provide valuable information about past and present environmental conditions that are crucial for the understanding and protection of Earth's ecosystem. The extended dispersion of Sapphire XD enables accurate and precise simultaneous Si-Mg isotope analysis of diatome shells at increased sample throughput.

Earth & Planetary Sciences

Low Resolution Isotope Ratio Analysis for Transition Metals in Seawater

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 reduced sample sizes for, e.g., transition metals is enabled by Sapphire XD's collision/reaction cell technology.