Abstract
AbstractWe have studied isotopic fractionation effects which occur during the analysis of oxygen isotope ratios by secondary ionization mass spectrometry. Variable instrumental isotopic fractionation has been well documented in the past as making reliable ion microprobe analyses of oxygen isotopes elusive. We report here techniques for minimizing these effects by careful optimization of an Isolab 54 ion microprobe and a method of integrating the secondary‐ion beam to eliminate a major source of fractionation caused by unequal focusing of isotopes on the source slit of the mass spectrometer. A further improvement has been the installation of new ion detectors for measuring 18O− and 17O− secondary ion beams in which the ions strike a conversion dynode (Conversion dynode system—CDS) to release electrons into a channeltron. The CDS detectors have a uniform, high and stable gain which, coupled with the beam integration techniques referred to above, yield reproducible oxygen isotope ratios on both conducting and insulating mineral standards (⩽1.2‰ on 18O/16O during a day and <2‰ over periods of days and weeks).
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
