Instrument Science staff pioneered the commercial development of continuous flow stable isotope mass spectrometry (CF-IRMS), producing the Europa Scientific Tracermass and 2020 products. More recently, we have developed a wide range of options for enhancing instruments in the field. These include new data systems and source electronics through to complete systems which retain just the original flight tube, source and collector. These products are available for VG, MAT and Europa products.
IRMS data systems convert the signals eminating from the instruments collector into a digital form, for processing by a computer. These signals are inherently noisy, due to ion beam statistics and amplifier thermal noise, so purpose designed integrators must be used for data acquisition.
A picture of the Datum unit is shown below.
The basic unit takes the form of a small, mains powered box and allows up to four collectors to be connected. It also has outputs for controlling the instruments mass scale, by programming the high voltage, electromagnet supply, or both. The box includes a microcomputer based on PC technology, which queues real-time data ready for transfer to a host PC or laptop.
Communication with application software running on the host is via RS232 or USB, using either the Europa Command Language (ECL), or the faster Instrument Science Command Language (ISCL). The ability to "understand" ECL means that legacy Europa Scientific software can be used. Alternatively, new software designed to work with either ECL or ISCL is available.
The following resources are available:
Software is supplied in two modules. Runtime support for your specific operating system should be installed first. Do this by downloading the appropriate .zip file, expanding it into a new temporary folder and then running "Setup". Application software can then be installed in a similar way. The runtime support only needs to be installed once. Updates to the application software can then be installed on their own.
Isotope ratio mass spectrometry relies on the stable conversion of the gas to be analysed into a beam of positive ions. This is achieved by a Nier electron impact ion source, coupled to source control electronics. Impact units are available to control Nier sources manufactured by VG, Europa Scientific and MAT.
All versions of the Impact allow the instrument mass scale to be programmed by an external 0-10V DC signal (matching the output of the Datum unit). All other parameters may be set by manual controls on the front-panel controlled version, or remotely via 0-10V DC inputs on the automatic version.
The following resources are available:
The Datum and Impact are available as a single unit, providing data acquisition and fully computer-controlled source electronics in a single package. See the above descriptions for details of each element.
The Isocube bench allows instruments to be resurrected with modern electronics and software. The picture shows a Europa Scientific Tracermass with new electronics but retaining its existing pumping system. Early Europa 2020 analysers have also been "Isocubed". VG602, VG622, VG903 and SIRA series analysers are also suitable candidates. Large MAT systems are better handled using the combined Impact/Datum package.
The minimum requirement for an Isocube upgrade is availability of an undamaged analyser, source, collector and magnet. These components don't wear out.
The analyser plate is fitted to a new bench (the Isocube), which includes the Datum and Impact functionality. New pumps may be fitted, to produce an essentially new system, or the existing pumping system and gauges may be retained if these are still servicable.
An Isocube update allows a redundant analyser to be resurrected and perhaps dedicated to a specific application, taking the load off expensive new equipment.
The following resources are available: