Nu HORIZON Continous-Flow Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer

• Flexibility, high performance and reliability
• Ultimate performance for both routine and research applications for stable isotope measurements
• Simultaneous collection of from 2 to 6 ion beams
• Vacuum system with differential pumping
• User friendly instrument control software and data anlysis suite

The Nu Instruments Nu Horizon is a state of the art stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer designed for flexibility, high performance, and reliability, together with a user friendly instrument control software and data analysis suite.

This next generation instrument has a wealth of novel features, giving the ultimate in performance for both routine and research applications for stable isotope ratio measurements. This CF-IRMS version can be connected to an expanding range of sample preparation systems including an Elemental Analyser (EA), high temperature (>1450oC) furnace for H and O pyrolysis (solid and liquid samples), capillary GC interface (for 13C,15N,18O, and D) with further CF interfaces under development.

Nu HORIZON ion source:

• Ion source runs at 5kV acceleration potential for all masses
• All ion source parameters are under computer control, with storage of the tuning parameters for each sample gas and isotope ratio to be measured.
• The ion source has integral focussing lenses (bidirectional focussing in both the vertical and horizontal planes) giving 100% transmission of ions through the analyser.
• Low and stable H3+ formation (<10 ppm/nA) essential for precise D/H analysis
• Integral ion source heater (temperature >200oC)
  Nu HORIZON Magnetic sector analyser:
• Variable mass dispersion of up to 30cm effective magnetic deflection radius (varies with the use of the patented zoom lens)
• Mass range 2 to 100, mass resolution (m/Δm, 10% valley) >110
• Simultaneous collection of from 2 to 6 ion beams, with 5 collectors fitted as standard to permit the simultaneous measurement of masses 2,3 or 28,29,30 or 44,45,46; or 64,66.
• High stability, water cooled electromagnet supplied as standard
• High efficiency, narrow entrance, and deep Faraday collectors are used, that uniquely provide high resolution on all 3 collectors of the triple collector
• The combination of the analyser geometry and electromagnet gives high spatial separation of masses 2 and 3, allowing the measurement of D/H ratios in H2 in a helium carrier gas without the need for any additional ion optic elements
• Computer controlled peak jumping via magnetic field switching with accurate control of the magnetic field via a Hall probe
  Nu HORIZON vacuum system:
• True differential pumping is supplied as standard, by 2 BOC Edwards water cooled long lifetime turbomolecular pumps, with high compression ratio for pumping of light gases (e.g. He and H2). One BOC Edwards rotary backing pump, floor standing (inside the Horizon cabinet)
• Penning gauge for measurement of ion source pressure, with computer monitoring of both turbomolecular pump rotation speeds and temperatures, with automatic shutdown in the case of vacuum failure

Nu HORIZON instrument control and data acquisition electronics:
 

• Single module ion source supplies unit, fully computer controlled
• Rack mounted data acquisition and control boards mounted in separate and isolated module
• Head amplifier dynamic range from 10mV to 50V

Nu HORIZON reference gas injection unit and continuous-flow IRMS interface:

• Reference gas injection system for up to 5 gases (2 injectors supplied as standard)
• Computer control of reference gas peak heights (to match sample peak intensities)
• Computer controlled dilutor, in steps of 5,10,50, and 100
• Pneumatic isolation valve to isolate IRMS ion source

Nu HORIZON data system and software:

• Comprehensive and easy to use Windows® based control software
• Full colour display of all operating parameters, e.g. ion beams, pressure gauge, etc.
• True multitasking operation

Installation Requirements:

• Dimensions 76cm (width) x 62cm (depth) x 117cm (height)
• Single phase power supply 230V/10A required
• Compressed air @ 50psi
• Closed loop water chiller/recirculator (required for magnet and pump cooling)