TIMS

PCIGR operates TIMS instruments for high-precision measurements of radiogenic isotopic ratios (Sr, Nd) or U-Pb geochronology, in rock, mineral and ore samples. 

Make/modelConfigurationServices
Nu Instruments Nu TIMS (NT002)MulticollectorIsotopic analyses
Nu Instruments Nu TIMS (NT015)MulticollectorGeochronology

tims002Nu TIMS (Isotopic analyses)

Photo of Nu Instruments Nu TIMS for radiogenic isotope analysis at PCIGR

Nu Instruments Nu TIMS for radiogenic isotope analysis in the nUBC facility at PCIGR. Photo: D. Weis.

The Nu TIMS is used to measure Sr isotopic ratios, with reproduceable analyses achieved on small sample loads down to <10 ng for Sr.

PCIGR's Nu TIMS (serial number NT002) features the following:

  • Advanced filament assembly
  • Patented zoom lens system for perfect peak alignment without needing to move the detectors
  • Variable dispersion multicollector technology for improved versatility and performance
  • Ion-counting mini-Daly and an ion counter capable of precise measurements of small samples and low-abundance isotopes

This Nu TIMS unit was the first TIMS commercially produced by Nu Instruments. This TIMS was designed as part of a collaborative research and development partnership between PCIGR and Nu Instruments, with the aim to improve analytical techniques and instrument design that benefits the research community. Visit our Research and Development page for more information.

PCIGR actively monitors the performance of this Nu TIMS through the analysis of standards (e.g., SRM 981, JMC-475, La Jolla or JNdi) and reference materials (USGS and others). To see a gallery of our historical instrument performance, click on the thumbnail image below.

Thumbnail of PCIGR radiogenic isotope SRM results

PCIGR-radio-iso-analysis-SRM [PDF]

Contact pcigr@eoas.ubc.ca for details on instrumentation and submitting samples.
Consult the Fees page for analytical costs.

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tims015Nu TIMS (Geochronology)

Photo of Nu Instruments Nu TIMS for U-Pb geochronology at PCIGR

Nu Instruments Nu TIMS for U-Pb geochronology at PCIGR. Photo: A. Chang.

At PCIGR, this Nu TIMS (serial number NT015) is used exclusively for the following applications:

  • Single-grain zircon U-Pb geochronology via chemical-abrasion isotope-dilution TIMS (CA-ID-TIMS)
  • Variety of U-Pb accessory phases (e.g., baddeleyite, titanite, rutile, apatite)

The system features the following:

  • Collector block with 16 Faraday cups, arranged for static Faraday Pb and U analysis
  • Ion-counting Daly detector that allows stability, linearity and dynamic range for precise measurement of small samples and low-abundance isotopes (e.g., 204Pb in zircon)
  • Electronically switchable amplifiers: x 1011-ohm resistors for large ion beams, x 1013-ohm resistors (upgraded in 2024) for enhanced signal-to-noise ratios on small ion beams for samples as small as 5 pg of Pb
  • Electronically switchable pre-amp bin for greatest flexibility in analyzing a wide dynamic range of sample sizes with minimal downtime (<1 hr)
Graphs comparing improved geochronological precision between 10^12-ohm and 10^13-ohm resister Faraday cups

Improved dating precision and faster analysis times with upgraded low-noise 10^13-ohm resistor Faraday cups on Nu TIMS. Compiled by C. Wall.

Contact pcigr-upb-geochron@eoas.ubc.ca for details on instrumentation and submitting samples.
Consult the Fees page for analytical costs.

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First Nations land acknowledegement

We acknowledge that the UBC Point Grey campus is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm.

Pacific Centre for Isotopic and Geochemical Research

Earth and Ocean Sciences Main Building (EOSM), 6339 Stores Road
Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z4

Shared Research Platforms are facilities funded jointly by the Office of the VP, Research and Innovation and Faculties and departments for the purpose of offering specialized research services to UBC and external research communities.

UBC receives support for managing its research enterprise from the federal Research Support Fund.

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