The Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) laboratory houses the Nu Sapphire 1700, a new large geometry MC-ICP-MS with a multi-pole collision cell interference removal device. This large dispersion mass spectrometer provides the capability to conduct precise isotopic ratio measurements at true high mass resolution (independently adjustable collector slits fitted for each detector allow “flat-top” peak resolving power—5% to 95% of peak—of 5000 to ≥25,000, depending on signal transmission) for a diverse list of non-traditional stable isotope systems such as Mg, Si, Ca, and Fe, among others, and radiogenic isotope systems that are useful tools in geochemistry and cosmochemistry.

Center for Isotope Cosmochemistry and Geochronology (CICG)

Center for Isotope Cosmochemistry and Geochronology (CICG)

Inside the MC-ICP-MS Laboratory: NASA scientists Justin Simon and Rosalind Armytage position the variable ion beam alpha slits that in conjunction with individually adjustable detector slits provides for high mass resolution isotope analysis on the Nu Sapphire 1700.