W. M. KECK ISOTOPE LABORATORY

NEPTUNE Multiple Collector ICP-MS

The Neptune is a multiple-collector inductively-coupled-plasma magnetic-sector mass-spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS). The instrument was commissioned in October 2003 in the Keck Isotope Laboratory and is housed in a class 1000 clean lab.

It is equipped with nine Faraday collectors and 4 ion counters. One of these ion counters is located behind an RPQ filter to give high abundance senstivity for measurement of U and Th isotope ratios.

The Neptune offers high precision isotope measurements for almost all elements in the periodic table. Unlike the TIMS (thermal ionisation mass spectrometer) the plasma source of the Neptune allows ionisation of all elements. This means that elements such as the high field strength elements (Hf, Ta, W, Nb) and transition elements (Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn) can be isotopically measured relatively easily using the Neptune. Some elements (Nd, Sm, Sr, Rb, Pb, U and Th) can be measured on the TIMS and the Neptune, though in most cases the Neptune is the most efficient choice.

Currently we have developed techniques to measure Mo, Si, Fe, Cr, Hf, Pb, Nd, U and Th isotopes on the Neptune. This list will grow as we continue to develop and expand into new isotopic fields for new applications.

Analyses of standards typically yield:

For more information concerning using the instrument please contact Dr Jugdeep Aggarwal.

Instrument time can be requested by contacting Jugdeep Aggarwal. Allocated time can be seen on the calendar.