Isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS); Basic principles and applications

Speaker: Assoc. Prof. Ketevan Lomsadze, University of Georgia

Isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) enables us to measure the isotopic ratios of the chemical elements such as hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur. The average isotopic ratio of each element was fixed during the time of Earth formation. Nevertheless, it can be influenced by some biological, chemical and physical factors. An Isotope ratio mass spectrometer commonly includes a sample introduction system, an electron ionization ion source, a magnetic sector analyzer, Faraday cup array and a data acquisition system. IRMS plays an important role in biology, geology, archaeology, medicine, forensic science, and food analysis.

Presentation