Nu Instruments | High Precision Osmium Isotope Measurements Using Nu TIMS
This application note demonstrates the use of the Nu TIMS instrument for high precision osmium isotope measurements in negative ion mode. Using OsO₃⁻ ions generated from platinum filaments with a barium hydroxide activator, the study delivers highly reproducible isotope ratio data across a range of osmium sample sizes. Results are shown to be comparable with published reference data for the DROsS osmium standard.
Osmium isotope analysis is widely used in geochronology and geochemical tracing through the Re-Os and Pt-Os decay systems. This application note outlines a methodology for measuring osmium as OsO₃⁻ negative ions using a platinum filament and barium hydroxide activator to enhance ion generation and analytical performance.
The Nu TIMS instrument combines Zoom Optics with a flexible collector configuration that enables multiple static measurement lines. These measurements can be electronically switched and averaged, helping to minimise the influence of collector efficiencies and pre-amplifier gain variations while maintaining precise isotope alignment.
The study evaluated DROsS osmium standards ranging from 2 ng to 50 ng. Measured isotope ratios demonstrated excellent reproducibility and precision, producing results comparable to values reported in the scientific literature. The application note concludes that Nu TIMS provides a reliable platform for high precision osmium isotope analysis in negative ion mode.
Key Takeaways:
- Nu TIMS delivers high precision osmium isotope measurements using negative ion TIMS analysis.
- Reproducible results were achieved across sample loads from 2 ng to 50 ng.
- Measured isotope ratios compare favourably with published DROsS reference data.
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