Stable Isotope Laboratory

This lab is specifically designed for housing mass spectrometers and their associated vacuum preparation lines. Routine analysis of sulphur, carbon and nitrogen concentrations and isotopic compositions in a range of natural materials. We also analyse the isotopic composition of:

• S-isotopes in sulfides, sulfates and organic materials
• O-isotopes in sulfate, nitrate and phosphate
• C-isotopes in TDIC and organic carbon
• N isotopes in organic materials

Facilities include:

• Close temperature control ±0.5
• Continuous flow EA-IRMS system: A Eurovector high temperature elemental analyser linked to an Isoprime mass spectrometer
• Laser combustion system: A 1064nM laser coupled to a microscope and camera system designed for the spatial analysis of the sulphur isotope composition intimately intergrown sulphide minerals. Couples to the EA-IRMS system.
• Dual inlet MS: VG-SIRA mass spectrometer
• Vacuum line preparation systems to produce clean CO2 from carbonates and sulphates for isotopic analysis. We also have a low volume prep line for small sample sizes. Carlo-Erba Elemental Analyser