PCIGR’s quadrupole and high-resolution sector-field ICP-MS instruments are respectively configured to measure trace elements and lead (Pb) isotopic ratios at high-precision. We can provide analysis on a wide variety of sample media, from rocks and minerals to water and biological materials.
| Make/model | Configuration | Services |
| Agilent 7700x | Quadrupole | Trace element analyses, Geochronology, In-situ Analysis |
| Agilent 8900 | Triple Quadrupole | Trace element analyses |
| Nu Instruments AttoM | High-resolution magnetic sector-field | Trace element analyses, Pb isotopic analyses, In-situ Analysis |
| Thermo Scientific Element 2 | High-resolution sector-field | Trace element analyses |
| Thermo Scientific Element XR | Extended range high-resolution sector-field | Trace element analyses |
agilent7700xAgilent 7700x
Agilent 7700x quadrupole ICP-MS and RESOlution S155-LR laser ablation system in the nUBC facility at PCIGR. Photo: D. Weis.
The Agilent 7700x is a single-quadrupole ICP-MS features the following:
- Cetac ASX-500 autosampler
- Collision/reaction cell (He mode) for effective removal of polyatomic interferences in complex sample matrices
- Laser ablation mode for trace element analysis and U-Pb geochronology
- Trace element analysis at parts-per-million (ppm) to parts-per-billion (ppm) levels
For in-situ trace element analysis of solid samples, the Agilent 7700x is connected to an Resonetics RESOlution M-50-LR excimer laser ablation system.
For simultaneous measurement of trace element concentrations and isotope ratios on the same sample run, we use split-stream laser ablation ICP-MS. This technique connects both the Agilent 7700x and a Nu Instruments AttoM ICP-MS to the RESOlution laser ablation system.
A variety of materials can be analyzed by the Agilent 7700x, in solution or in situ, including:
- Rocks
- Minerals
- Waters
- Organic matter and biological materials
Contact pcigr@eoas.ubc.ca for details on instrumentation and submitting samples.
Consult the Fees page for analytical costs.
agilent8900Agilent 8900
AGILENT 8900 TRIPLE QUADRUPOLE ICP-MS AND ESI PrepFast M5 LIQUID SAMPLE INTRODUCTION SYSTEM AT PCIGR. PHOTO: A. CHANG.
The Agilent 8900 is a triple quadrupole ICP-MS that features the following:
- Tandem mass spectrometer (ICP-MS/MS)
- Collision/reaction cell with helium, hydrogen, oxygen or ammonia gas for reactions to remove polyatomic mass interferences and isobaric overlaps
- Laser ablation mode for trace element analysis and U-Pb geochronology
- Trace element analysis at parts-per-million (ppm) to parts-per-billion (ppm) levels
The Agilent 8900 can be operated in solution mode with connection to an ESI PrepFast M5 sample introduction system, and in laser mode with our existing Elemental Science Lasers/New Wave Research NWR193UC laser ablation unit.
A variety of materials can be analyzed by the Agilent 8900, in solution or in situ, including:
- Rocks
- Minerals
- Waters
- Organic matter and biological materials
Contact pcigr@eoas.ubc.ca for details on instrumentation and submitting samples.
Consult the Fees page for analytical costs.
NuAttomNu Instruments AttoM
Nu Instruments AttoM high-resolution sector-field ICP-MS in the nUBC facility at PCIGR. Photo: V. Lai.
The AttoM is a double-focusing, high-resolution magnetic sector-field ICP-MS that is designed for precise and accurate elemental analysis of most elements, and isotope ratio analyses on some elements, down to sub-part-per-trillion (ppt) levels.
The AttoM features the following:
- Cetac Aridus II or an ESI Apex desolvating nebulizer to increase signal sensitivity and reduce oxide and hydride interferences and matrix effects
- High signal sensitivity
- High resolving power for the separation of isobaric and polyatomic interferences, such as 56Fe from 40Ar16O
- Wide electrostatic scanning capability, covering up to 40% relative mass range
- LinkScan mode (fast magnet scan combined with unique deflector optics) for time-resolved analyses, such as for laser ablation
- Wide dynamic range of signal detection for the analyses of both major and ultra-trace elements
The AttoM is used for analyzing chemical concentrations and isotope ratios, in solution or in situ, in a variety of materials, including:
- Pb isotopes in seawater, ice, honey, fish
- Trace elements in rocks, minerals, water and other aqueous solutions, and biological and engineered materials
For in-situ isotope ratio analysis of solid samples, the AttoM is connected to an Resonetics RESOlution S155-LR excimer laser ablation system.
For simultaneous measurement of trace element concentrations and isotope ratios on the same sample run, we use split-stream laser ablation ICP-MS. This technique connects both the AttoM and an Agilent 7700x ICP-MS to the RESOlution laser ablation system.
Contact pcigr@eoas.ubc.ca for details on instrumentation and submitting samples.
Consult the Fees page for analytical costs.
tse2Thermo Scientific Element 2
Thermo Finnigan (Thermo Scientific) Element 2 high-resolution sector-field ICP-MS at PCIGR. Photo: D. Weis.
The Element 2 is a double-focusing, high-resolution sector-field ICP-MS that is capable of analyzing elements in solution, at concentrations down to sub-part-per-billion (ppb) levels. This ICP-MS is equipped with the following features:
- Direct nebulization system (use of spray chamber)
- Dynamic range of over 9 orders of magnitude
- High-resolution analysis of elements subject to polyatomic interferences, reducing the need for extensive chemical separation steps during sample preparation
The Element 2 can analyze a wide suite of trace elements (including REEs, HFSEs, or both) in solution, in a variety of sample materials, including:
- Rocks, and standard reference materials in rock matrices
- Minerals
- Sediments
- Mine tailings
- Water
- Organic matter
- Pharmaceuticals
The Element 2 is also used extensively at PCIGR for QA/QC, as follows:
- Lab blanks
- Reagent blanks
- Column calibration
- Exact elemental contents of samples prior to analysis by multicollector ICP-MS
Contact pcigr@eoas.ubc.ca for details on instrumentation and submitting samples.
Consult the Fees page for analytical costs.
tsexrThermo Scientific Element XR
Thermo Scientific Element XR extended range high-resolution Sector-field ICP-MS at PCIGR. Photo: A. Chang.
The Element XR is an extended dynamic range, high-resolution sector-field ICP-MS that is capable of analyzing many elements in solution, at concentrations down to sub-part-per-billion (ppb) levels.
The Element XR is currently unavailable while we optimize the system. Please check back with us later.