Instruments
SIMSL is equipped with 3 main instruments
-Elementar EA Vario Pyrocube (elemental analysis)
-Elementar IRMS GeoVisION (Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer)
-Picarro L-i2130 water analyzer
Elementar EA Vario Pyrocube
The Elementar Vario Pyrocube can analyze 120 samples per analysis run and is typically set up for carbon and nitrogen analysis. The instrument provides percent carbon and percent nitrogen for samples. Additionally, The EA delivers samples in a gaseous form for isotopic composition analysis in the IRMS Mass spectrometer.
Elementar IRMS GeovisION
The Elementar GeovisION Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer (IRMS) works in conjunction with the Pyrocube in order to analyze the isotopic composition of samples. The gas from the Pyrocube becomes ionized through exposure to high voltage upon entry into the IRMS. It is then sent through a curved tube adjacent to a large magnet. The path of the particle is dependent on the mass to charge ratio. Faraday collection cups collect different particles at the end of their unique path. The IRMS is able to record how many particles hit each cup and extrapolate the isotopic composition of the sample from this ratio.
