Nu Instruments | High-precision U-Pb Geochronology on Nu TIMS

U-Pb geochronology by Isotope Dilution Thermal Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (ID-TIMS) remains the benchmark technique for determining accurate geological ages. This application note highlights the capabilities of the Nu TIMS instrument for measuring U-Pb isotope systems with exceptional precision using a Daly detector for lead isotope analysis and Faraday collectors for uranium isotope measurements.

The study was carried out at the Pacific Centre for Isotopic and Geochemical Research (PCIGR), University of British Columbia, using a Nu TIMS equipped with 16 Faraday collectors and a Daly photomultiplier detector. The instrument configuration enables precise peak alignment and optimised signal-to-noise performance across a broad dynamic range, supporting both low-level and higher-intensity isotope measurements.

Performance was evaluated using certified reference materials including 91500, AN2 and Plesovice zircon standards, alongside EARTHTIME synthetic standards ET100, ET500 and ET2000. Measured ages closely matched published reference values, demonstrating the long-term stability, accuracy and repeatability of the Nu TIMS platform for high-precision geochronology applications.

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