Nu Instruments | TIMS Mass Range and Peak Alignment with Nu Instruments Zoom Optics

The Nu TIMS thermal ionisation mass spectrometer is designed with fixed detectors and Zoom Optics technology, eliminating the need for traditional detector movement during peak alignment. This approach allows isotopic analysis across a broad mass range of up to 300 amu, covering elements from lithium through to uranium and beyond.

Zoom parameter settings can be configured in a simple tuning process and stored for future use. Once saved, alignment parameters can be recalled instantly, enabling rapid transitions between different isotope systems and supporting efficient analytical workflows.

The instrument configuration includes 12 Faraday cups and two ion-counting positions for multi-collector analysis, with optional configurations offering additional collector capacity. The application note demonstrates accurate peak alignment across a variety of isotope systems, including lithium, calcium, strontium, neodymium, lead and uranium. Results show consistent alignment performance and support automated analysis of mixed-element samples on a turret system.

Key Takeaways:

• Zoom Optics enables precise peak alignment using fixed detectors across a mass range up to 300 amu.
   
• Stored zoom parameter files allow instant switching between different isotope systems.
• The system supports automated multi-element analysis from lithium to uranium using a flexible multi-collector configuration.