Recommended route
What is its origin and how was it produced?
Signatures of C, N, S, O and H in whole samples or specific compounds.
- Platform
- DELTA Q IRMS
- Technique
- EA IsoLink, GasBench Plus or GC IsoLink II
isotope analysis portfolio
One isotopic signature.
Different levels of response.
The isotope ratio of an integral sample to the position of an isotope within the molecule. Compare Thermo Scientific technologies according to the isotope system, matrix and information scale.
Equipment images: Thermo Fisher Scientific
A family of complementary isotopic techniques.
4main platforms
CNSOHand isotope systems from Li to U
Bulk → molecularinformation scale
Objective of the analysis
Objectives of isotope analysis
Select the application. The page indicates the most coherent platform and analytical route — without requiring you to know the name of the technique.
Platforms
From material to molecule.
Each platform responds to a distinct layer of isotopic composition. They complement each other; they are not variations of the same equipment.
01
Gas IRMS
DELTA Q IRMS
Isotopic signatures of whole samples, gases and compounds.
A platform connected to EA IsoLink, GasBench Plus, GC IsoLink II and LC IsoLink II to measure ratios of C, N, S, O and H.
- Whole samples
- Gases and carbonates
- Specific compounds
02
Orbitrap IRMS
Orbitrap Isora MS
The isotopic composition preserved in the molecular context.
Une HRAM and isotope analysis to measure isotopes in intact molecules and investigate intramolecular information.
- Molecules intact
- PSIA
- Clumped isotopes
03
MC-ICP-MS
Neoma / Neoma MS/MS
High precision for elemental isotope systems.
Multicollector for Li to U elements, with MS/MS option to separate complex isobaric interferences.
- Geocronologia
- Non-traditional isotopes
- Laser ablation
04
HR-ICP-MS
Element 2 / Element XR
High resolution elemental and isotope analysis.
Dual-focused magnetic sector to separate interferences and cover from most ultratrace elements in Solution nebulization or laser ablation ablation.
- Trace elements
- Isotope ratios
- transient signals
Decision map
Isotopic information at different scales.
| Analytical objective | What is measured | Technique | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is the isotopic signature of the sample? | C, N, S, O and H ratios in bulk | Gas IRMS | DELTA Q |
| Which compound carries this signature? | Compound isotope ratio | GC-IRMS | DELTA Q + GC IsoLink |
| How are isotopes distributed in the molecule? | isotopologues, PSIA and plumped | Orbitrap IRMS | Orbitrap Isora |
| What's the reason for elemental isotopes? | High precision simultaneous reasons | MC-ICP-MS | Neoma |
| Any unresolved isobaric interference? | Isotopes after separation/reaction | MC-ICP-MS/MS | Neoma MS/MS |
| Do I need ultratraces and isotope ratios? | Multi-element concentration + ratios | HR-ICP-MS | Element 2 / XR |
| Do I need to quantify trace elements and isotope ratios? | Most ultratrace elements in Solution nebulization or laser ablation ablation | HR-ICP-MS | Element 2 / Element XR |
The final configuration depends on matrix, sample amount, required accuracy, interference and introduction system.
Introducing systems
One platform. Multiple sample introduction systems.
In the IRMS, the preparation and introduction of the sample define much of the application. Hence, peripherals appear as solution settings — not as isolated pages.
EA-IRMS
δ13C, δ15N and δ34S in soils, plants, food, sediments and organic materials.
EA IsoLink OH
δ18 O and δ2H in appropriate samples by high temperature conversion; replaces the old TC/EA platform.
GasBench-IRMS
Water, carbonates and gases in automated preparation by headspace and continuous flow.
GC-IRMS
isotope ratios of specific compounds in complex mixtures.
UHPLC + Isora
Reproducible sample introduction and reference for molecular isotope analysis.
Solution nebulization or laser ablation
Introduction by nebulization or laser ablation on ICP-MS platforms.
Applications
Applications of the same isotope system.
SENS specifies a complete analytical configuration based on the scientific objective: spectrometer, interface, sample introduction, software and method.
Geosciences
Geochronology, provenance, paleoclimate and crustal processes.
Ecology and environment
Nutrient cycling, trophic webs, hydrology and GEE.
Food
Authenticity, geographical origin and natural/synthetic differentiation.
Metabolism
Tracers, isotopic distribution and molecular transformation.
Nuclear
U reasons and other systems for research, control and safeguards.
Materials
Trace elements, semiconductors, batteries and advanced characterization.
Technical library
Official materials.
The documents below are available exclusively for download.
Next step
Set the isotope analysis.
Inform the SENS team of the sample, the isotopes of interest and the required level of accuracy.
Request application evaluation