Nu Instruments | High Precision Automatic Multi-Dynamic Strontium Isotope Measurements with Nu TIMS
This application note demonstrates high precision, automated strontium isotope ratio measurements using the Nu TIMS instrument. By combining multi-dynamic measurement techniques with Nu TIMS Zoom Optics, the method delivers highly reproducible 87Sr/86S and 84Sr/86Sr results from 300 ng NBS 987 standard samples. The study highlights the benefits of automated operation for accurate and consistent isotopic analysis.
Strontium isotope measurements are widely used to assess the performance of thermal ionisation mass spectrometry (TIMS) systems. This application note explains how the Nu TIMS instrument uses Zoom Optics to optimise isotope alignment, providing the flexibility required for advanced multi-dynamic measurement methods.
The multi-dynamic approach allows measurement steps to be electronically switched within milliseconds while maintaining optimal peak alignment. This improves measurement accuracy and precision, particularly for the 87Sr/86Sr ratio, where dynamic averaging delivers highly reproducible results across repeated analyses.
Using 300 ng loads of the NBS 987 strontium standard, the automated method produced an average 87Sr/86S ratio of 0.710249 with a reproducibility of 4.28 ppm (2 RSD). The method also achieved a reproducibility of 29.3 ppm (2 RSD) for the 84Sr/86Sr ratio. Results demonstrate that fully automated multi-dynamic measurements can provide excellent consistency and reliability for high-precision isotope applications.
Key Takeaways:
- Automated multi-dynamic TIMS measurements provide excellent precision and reproducibility for strontium isotope analysis.
- Nu TIMS Zoom Optics enables optimal isotope alignment and rapid electronic switching between measurement steps.
- Repeated analyses of NBS 987 standards demonstrated reproducible 87Sr/86Sr and 84Sr/86Sr isotope ratio measurements.
Related Articles
