Stable LA-ICPMS Signals for Low Frequency Sampling
The Sentinel smoothing effect makes it ideal for use in applications that require a long, stable LA-ICPMS signal to be generated in order to measure very precise elemental or isotope ratios. This is especially true when available sample depth is limited. Such applications include, U/Pb or other types of geochronology, isotope ratio determination, carbonate analysis such as forams, and depth profiling of thin-films.
Advanced Features of Sentinel's Key Functionalities
Features
- 11 channel signal smoothing - Provides stable signals for low frequency sampling even at 1 Hz! The pulse is delayed and physically spread through 11 channels before recombination.
- Available for all ESL systems with a Twovol2 or Twovol3 ablation chamber - Sentinel is supplied with all connectors and tubing required to connect to ESL's Twovol2 and Twovol3 ablation chambers. The addition of sentinel typically extends the washout time to around 4s!
- Stainless steel construction and fittings - Enables easy cleaning with an agent such as citranox and avoids particle deposition that can cause contamination and carryover.
- Flexible configuration for varying degrees of smoothing - The smoothing effect of the sentinel can be readily changed to optimize performance for a given application. This optimization is achieved by changing the tubing length and even internal diameter. A variety of barbed and push-fit connectors are provided to facilitate such optimizations
Applications
- Low frequency scans
- Geochronology
- Elemental Isotope ratio determination
- Isotope ratio determination
Performance
- The impact to the LA-ICPMS signal stability at various laser frequencies was compared following ablation of nist610.
- The performance of the sentinel was compared to that of a standard “y” piece which is often used to combine the laser ablated aerosol with an ar makeup gas (results for Pb208 shown below)
Additional Laser Ablation Accessories
AutoCal
Automated energy calibration in a class 1 laser environment.
Echo
Enables controlled and stable splitting of the LA generated aerosol and subsequent transport to multiple ICPMS or OES detection systems.
CryoCell
Provides a clean, rapidly cooled sample space for controlled analysis of samples requiring sub-zero temperatures, with an efficient switch to and from CryoCell applications.
UHV Cell
Fits seamlessly into the ESL platform in a laser-safe Class 1 environment through an innovative design by University College London.
TwoVol3
The first ablation chamber to provide <1 ms peak widths for both refractory and biological matrices to enable the highest resolution imaging experiments.
TwoVol2
A high performing ablation chamber that effortlessly covers a broad range of applications.
Dual Concentric Injector (DCI)
Performance enhancing upgrades for improved imaging analysis.