Nu Instruments | High Precision Automatic Multi-Dynamic Measurements of Neodymium Isotopes Using TIMS
This application note demonstrates the use of automatic multi-dynamic Thermal Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (TIMS) for high-precision neodymium isotope analysis. By combining multi-dynamic measurement routines with automated peak alignment, the method delivers excellent reproducibility and precision from 300 ng loads of the JNdi neodymium standard.
Neodymium isotope analysis is widely used to assess TIMS performance because it requires exceptionally high levels of precision and accuracy. Measurement quality can be influenced by factors such as filament loading, amplifier gain, detector cup efficiency, background noise and peak alignment. A multi-dynamic measurement routine helps minimise these sources of uncertainty and improve confidence in isotope ratio data.
The analytical method uses the Nu TIMS Zoom lens system to maintain consistent peak alignment throughout the analysis. Dynamic measurements reduce the influence of amplifier gain variations and detector cup efficiencies, improving reproducibility between measurements and helping to deliver reliable isotopic results.
Results from 14 automated analyses of the JNdi neodymium standard demonstrated excellent consistency.
Average precision reached 4.0 ppm (2 RSD) for 143Nd/144Nd and 8.9 ppm (2 RSD) for 142Nd/144Nd measurements, highlighting the capability of automated multi-dynamic TIMS for high-precision isotope ratio analysis.
Key Takeaways:
- Automated multi-dynamic TIMS delivers highly reproducible neodymium isotope ratio measurements.
- Dynamic analysis reduces uncertainty associated with amplifier gain and detector cup efficiencies.
- Precision of 4.0 ppm (2 RSD) was achieved for 143Nd/144Nd measurements using 300 ng JNdi standards.
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