Nu Instruments | High Precision Lithium Isotope Measurements from 10 ng Samples
This application note demonstrates precise lithium isotope analysis using only 10 ng of lithium per measurement. Results highlight excellent mass fractionation stability, low noise performance and strong analytical reproducibility.
Lithium isotope analysis often requires high precision from extremely small sample sizes. In this study, a 10 ppb lithium standard was analysed using a dry plasma introduction system and enhanced sensitivity interface.
Over 21 repeat analyses performed across 3.5 hours, the instrument delivered highly stable isotope ratio measurements without requiring retuning. The system utilised a combination of 10¹¹ and 10¹² ohm amplifiers to optimise sensitivity and precision.
The excellent reproducibility observed throughout the experiment reflects stable plasma conditions, low electronic noise and minimal mass fractionation drift. These features enable confident analysis of very small lithium samples.
Key Takeaways:
- High precision isotope measurements achieved from only 10 ng of lithium.
- Stable analytical performance maintained over several hours.
- Mixed resistor configuration supports extremely low-level isotope analysis.
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