Overview
Our gas isotope ratio mass spectrometers are the instruments of choice for measuring stable isotope signatures with extreme precision and sensitivity, enabling the user to gain unique insights into the history and origin of compounds found in a variety of samples.
Whether you need flexibility to perform IRMS applications in one single analyzer, or you need robustness, stability and precision for high performance IRMS, or whether you need sensitivity and high resolution for unraveling the isotopic anatomy of molecules, our gas IRMS product portfolio offers it all. In combination with our unique sample preparation devices and inlet systems, our gas isotope ratio mass spectrometers offer you a comprehensive instrumental setup for your applications.
Gas IRMS instruments
Perform all IRMS applications in a single analyzer
DELTA Q Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer
The Thermo Scientific DELTA Q Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer combines outstanding sensitivity with excellent linearity and stability to address diverse applications.
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Get the highest sensitivity and performance
253 Plus 10 kV Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer
The Thermo Scientific 253 Plus 10 kV Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer provides a flexible and open platform for the connection of inlet systems and preparation devices for smallest amounts of sample in IRMS.
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Explore the world in a whole new way
Ultra High Resolution Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer (HR-IRMS)
With its guaranteed mass resolving power of 30,000 (5%, 95% edge definition), the Thermo Scientific Ultra High Resolution IRMS accurately determines conditions by which molecules were formed, transported, stored, and degraded.
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High-resolution IRMS
Mass resolving power greater than 18,000
The Ultra HR-IRMS combines a 10 kV electron impact ionization source, a high-mass-resolution double-focusing magnetic-sector mass analyzer, and a variable collector array for a resolving power of 18,000. A high, medium, or low resolution setting for each method can automatically be selected for by using a switchable entrance slit.
Ultimate abundance sensitivity
The variable collector array covers a signal dynamic range greater than 10 orders of magnitude, facilitating the collection of more abundant ion beams in Faraday cups as well as single ion counting of very rare ion species. Weak signals can be analyzed with the axial secondary electron multiplier using the retarding potential quadrupole (RPQ) retardation lens, enabling experiments of high sensitivity.
Fully integrated workflows
The Thermo Scientific Qtegra Intelligent Scientific Data Solution (ISDS) revolutionizes the steps involved in isotope ratio analysis with fully integrated workflows, making high-resolution IRMS a routine tool. Qtegra ISDS Software combines all experiments performed on a specific sample into one "lab book."
Modular concept
The Ultra HR-IRMS includes two dual viscous flow inlet systems for handling up to three reference gases together with the sample. This modular dual inlet design allows each dual inlet to be exchanged, avoiding cross contamination of the sample types being analyzed.
Electrostatic detector
The electrostatic sector analyzer (ESA) with a radius of 220mm refocuses the energy dispersion of the ions prior to the magnetic sector.
Entrance slit
The computer-controlled entrance slits can be switched between 5 μm and 250 μm which allows the selection of low, medium, and high mass resolution.
Magnetic sector
The temperature-controlled, laminated electromagnet has a radius of 230 mm. Overall system magnification is a factor of 2, yielding a dispersion of 810 mm. Mass range is up to mass 280 at full acceleration voltage, extendable to 560 at reduced accelerating potential and mass resolving power.
Variable multicollector
On either side of the fixed axial collector there are 4 moveable detector platforms. Each variable detector platform is equipped with a Faraday detector and in addition can carry a compact discrete dynode (CDD) ion counting detector.
10 kV ion source
The gas-tight electron impact ion source with a wide range of adjustable electron energy and variable pumping conductance provides ultra high sensitivity. The ion source preserves clumping and isotopic distribution in the ions because of its low “scrambling” characteristics.
RPQ SEM
The axial detector channel is a dual mode detector with a Faraday cup and a high sensitivity ion counting detector (SEM). In front of the SEM is a retarding potential quadrupole (RPQ) to reduce the abundance sensitivity for measurement of very small ion beams.
Gas IRMS peripherals
Chemical and physical processes leave traces in the isotopic fingerprint of samples. Nitrogen, carbon, sulfur, oxygen, and hydrogen preserve the information related to those processes in their isotope ratios. Our comprehensive portfolio of gas IRMS peripherals helps you access unique sample information and gain conclusive insights in food and beverage testing, forensics, archaeology, ecology, and geosciences.
EA-IRMS: Reach higher chromatography peaks
With the Thermo Scientific EA IsoLink IRMS System, laboratories have an automated, easy-to-use solution for elemental and isotopic analysis. With dedicated helium-saving technology and integration of temperature ramped gas chromatography, analyses are fast and cost-efficient for origin and authenticity determination of samples in a variety of fields: ecology, biology, archaeology, geosciences, food integrity, and forensics.
Powerful GC-IRMS separations
The Thermo Scientific GC IsoLink II IRMS System creates a seamless solution that combines the separation capabilities of GC with the superior detection power of IRMS. In addition to providing scientists with a wealth of information on compound origin, metabolic, synthetic and diagenetic pathways, the GC IsoLink II IRMS System can be connected with GC/GC-MS techniques to reveal unknown compounds.
LC-IRMS for specific compounds from bulk liquid samples
The Thermo Scientific LC IsoLink IRMS System facilitates the analysis of organic samples in liquid form. By connecting an HPLC system with IRMS, reproducible and accurate on-line determination of 13C/12C isotope ratios can be performed for a variety of applications in the fields of metabolism, food and beverage testing, pharmaceutical development, doping control, and biogeochemistry.
GasBench Plus System: Flexibility, sensitivity, dynamic range
The Thermo Scientific GasBench Plus System fits a diverse range of applications, from natural isotope variation to beverage authenticity and metabolism testing. Automated range recognition and autodilution combine with a dual viscous flow inlet system, resulting in precision, sensitivity, and a large dynamic range, as well as fast delivery of pure analyte from complex gas mixtures.
Kiel IV Carbonate Device
When coupled to an isotope ratio mass spectrometer, the Thermo Scientific Kiel IV Carbonate Device enables analysis of carbonate samples for paleoclimatic reconstructions involving biogenic carbonates such as foraminifera, bivalves, brachiopods, otoliths, and corals. Other applicable fields of study include analysis of growth zones of individual organisms or microfossils from drill cores.
ConFlo IV Universal Continuous Flow Interface
The Thermo Scientific ConFlo IV Universal Continuous Flow Interface enables attachment of sample preparation devices to the IRMS that dramatically expand the range of experiments that can be conducted by stable IRMS.
EA-IRMS: Reach higher chromatography peaks
With the Thermo Scientific EA IsoLink IRMS System, laboratories have an automated, easy-to-use solution for elemental and isotopic analysis. With dedicated helium-saving technology and integration of temperature ramped gas chromatography, analyses are fast and cost-efficient for origin and authenticity determination of samples in a variety of fields: ecology, biology, archaeology, geosciences, food integrity, and forensics.
Powerful GC-IRMS separations
The Thermo Scientific GC IsoLink II IRMS System creates a seamless solution that combines the separation capabilities of GC with the superior detection power of IRMS. In addition to providing scientists with a wealth of information on compound origin, metabolic, synthetic and diagenetic pathways, the GC IsoLink II IRMS System can be connected with GC/GC-MS techniques to reveal unknown compounds.
LC-IRMS for specific compounds from bulk liquid samples
The Thermo Scientific LC IsoLink IRMS System facilitates the analysis of organic samples in liquid form. By connecting an HPLC system with IRMS, reproducible and accurate on-line determination of 13C/12C isotope ratios can be performed for a variety of applications in the fields of metabolism, food and beverage testing, pharmaceutical development, doping control, and biogeochemistry.
GasBench Plus System: Flexibility, sensitivity, dynamic range
The Thermo Scientific GasBench Plus System fits a diverse range of applications, from natural isotope variation to beverage authenticity and metabolism testing. Automated range recognition and autodilution combine with a dual viscous flow inlet system, resulting in precision, sensitivity, and a large dynamic range, as well as fast delivery of pure analyte from complex gas mixtures.
Kiel IV Carbonate Device
When coupled to an isotope ratio mass spectrometer, the Thermo Scientific Kiel IV Carbonate Device enables analysis of carbonate samples for paleoclimatic reconstructions involving biogenic carbonates such as foraminifera, bivalves, brachiopods, otoliths, and corals. Other applicable fields of study include analysis of growth zones of individual organisms or microfossils from drill cores.
ConFlo IV Universal Continuous Flow Interface
The Thermo Scientific ConFlo IV Universal Continuous Flow Interface enables attachment of sample preparation devices to the IRMS that dramatically expand the range of experiments that can be conducted by stable IRMS.
Software
Qtegra ISDS Software for gas IRMS
Minimize training, automate workflows, simplify your experience, and improve efficiency with the innovative Qtegra Intelligent Scientific Data Solution (ISDS) platform software. Designed for simplified workflow compliance, scalability, compliance and data management, Qtegra ISDS Software provides essential tools for consistent, accurate analysis.
Learn more about Qtegra ISDS Software ›
Qtegra ISDS Software for gas IRMS webinar: revolutionize your gas IRMS analyses ›
Applications
Isotope fingerprinting
Petrochemical investigations
Learn how it is possible to trace the origin of oil and gas across space and time using isotope fingerprints.
Learn more about isotope fingerprinting for petrochemical analysis ›
Food and beverage investigations
Food and beverage origin, authenticity and product label claims can be verified in a unique way using isotope fingerprints.
Learn more about isotope fingerprinting for food and beverage analysis ›
Environmental investigations
It is possible to trace the sources of pollution, monitor water and air quality and track environmental change using isotope fingerprints.
Learn more about isotope fingerprinting for environmental analysis ›
Forensic investigations
Learn how isotope fingerprints in forensic materials are related to natural processes and geographical regions and can define differences in sample materials.
Learn more about isotope fingerprinting for forensic analysis ›
Scientific research
Geochronology
Geochronology involves understanding time in relation to geological events and processes, examining rocks, minerals, fossils, and sediments.
Climate change research
Isotopic analysis of ice cores and biogenic carbonates can be linked to past temperatures and global sea level variations.
Geochemistry
Natural variations in the relative abundances of isotopes and elements are used as tools to explain the mechanisms behind geological systems.
Biogeochemistry
Chemical, physical and geological processes lead to changes in the natural isotopic signatures, revealing insights in biological/biogeochemical processes.
Featured videos
IsoFootprint
IsoFootprint: Paving the way to sustainable isotope analysis
As global levels of atmospheric CO2 continue to increase, we need to be making positive steps forward to reduce our emissions and remove CO2 from the atmosphere. We are producing net zero inorganic mass spectrometry instruments, removing 100% of the CO2 emissions associated with our products and their supply chain through investment in high quality, durable carbon removal projects.
Isotope Hunter
In this e-learning series you will get an introduction to isotope fingerprints and will learn more about:
- What are isotope fingerprints?
- How is an isotope fingerprint detected?
- Where can isotope fingerprints be applied?
- What are examples of isotope fingerprint applications for food integrity, environmental forensics, criminal forensics, doping control, etc.
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