Bio-Rad - Preparing for a Stress-free QC Audit

Isotopx’s new SIRIX offers new standard in high performance isotope ratio mass spectrometry

Isotopx, a British scientific instrument manufacturing company specialising in the design and manufacture of world class isotope ratio mass spectrometers, has launched SIRIX, a new large radius gas source stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer.

SIRIX features advanced multicollector technology derived from the Phoenix Thermal Ionisation MS. It also includes the company’s unique, patented ATONA amplifier technology in combination with a high sensitivity, high mass resolution spectrometer design. The result is a powerful, versatile, sensitive, stable isotope mass spectrometer that is intuitive to use, and can also be optimised for the most exacting applications, including the measurement of isotopologues.

Key features include:

  •  9 individually movable Faraday detectors
  • Large 90 degree 27 cm radius magnet
  • Simultaneous measurement of m/z 44, 45, 46, 47, 48 and 49
  • Wide flight tube ensures no backgrounds from reflected ions
  • Mass resolving power of 5,000 is obtainable
  • Better than 10 ppm precision for 48 CO2 / 44 CO2, within 100 minutes
  • ATONA allows accurate and precise measurement of ion signals of >1e-7 A down to <1e-17 A on the Faraday array

Users of SIRIX will also benefit from the capability to significantly increase their throughput compared to existing solutions. The exceptionally quiet and stable amplifier system allows for extended measurement times of sample gas, without the need for repetitive calibration with a reference gas, or calibration of different gain resistors.

Zenon Palacz, Managing Director, Isotopx, said: “The addition of a smarter solution for clumped isotopes is a welcome addition to our portfolio. Through direct engagement with the isotopologue community we’ve identified where traditional IRMS systems cannot meet the analytical needs and designed a solution to fill that gap. Our experience with larger radius, large magnet instruments from TIMS and noble gas analysis put us in an excellent position to provide this solution. Furthermore, our ATONA technology lends itself incredibly well to isotopologue applications where there are large variances in isotope abundances.”

SIRIX