Improved TIMS data reliability and precision with new ion source design

Abstract

The ion source design of the Triton and Triton Plus Thermal Ionisation Mass Spectrometer (TIMS) has been improved to reduce the frequency and intensity of high voltage electric sparking.

Improved three‐filament thermal ionization mass spectrometry ion source for isotope ratio determination of two samples

“…This may occur when different, especially with large difference of isotope composition, samples are loaded onto evaporator filaments simultaneously. In modern and sophisticated, commercial instruments the cross‐contamination effect is reduced to values smaller than the reproducibility of analyses by the use of filament shielding …”

“…In modern and sophisticated, commercial instruments the cross-contamination effect is reduced to values smaller than the reproducibility of analyses by the use of filament shielding. 6 In our approach, lithium and potassium are converted to their respective phosphate salts and then loaded onto evaporator filaments, as phosphates are considered to be the best loading materials in TIMS isotope analysis. 28,29 Consequently the mass fractionation effect is reduced by the evaporation of relatively heavy phosphate molecular species.…”

“…This is a reason why thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) is a convenient method for the precise measurement of Li and K isotope ratios. The TIMS method can also be applied to the ionization of several other compounds and atoms in both, positive and negative modes …”

“…The TIMS method can also be applied to the ionization of several other compounds and atoms in both, positive and negative modes. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Lithium is an exceptional element for many reasons. First of all, it is the lightest solid element and one of the very rare elements where the lighter isotope is less abundant than the heavier one.…”

“…First of all, it is the lightest solid element and one of the very rare elements where the lighter isotope is less abundant than the heavier one. 9 According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), lithium has two naturally occurring stable isotopes, 6 Li and 7 Li, with abundances of 7.52% and 92.48%, respectively. 10 Lithium is also the smallest of all the first group metal atoms, but has the largest hydrated ion radius.…”