INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA MASS SPECTROMETRY

Description

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) at CIRCE uses a Neptune Plus ThermoFisher MC-ICP-MS, a highly versatile instrument for measuring isotopic ratios across a wide range of elements. Ions are generated in an inductively coupled plasma torch and separated by a double-focusing mass analyzer (ESA magnet) before detection by a variable multicollector array. The double-focusing design ensures precise mass separation, while a water-cooled laminated magnet allows rapid switching between applications.

The Neptune MC-ICP-MS operates with a 10 kV acceleration voltage to maximize ion transmission and minimize mass discrimination. Combined with advanced ion optics and ICP technology, it delivers exceptional accuracy, stable mass bias, and high sensitivity. The plasma interface is grounded for safe access to the nebulizer, spray chamber, and torch. High mass resolution is achieved using narrow source slits and wide detector slits, allowing separation of molecular interferences from elemental peaks, particularly in the low- and mid-mass ranges.

CIRCE has developed several sample preparation methods under ultralow contamination conditions, supported by an ISO4 clean room operational since early 2019. The laboratory currently measures isotopic ratios of multiple elements for applications including environmental pollution studies, hydrology, nuclear safeguards, archaeometry, and food traceability.