Stable Isotope Lab
The lab space includes two rooms in Haenicke Hall, a mass spectrometer (Delta V Plus). The mass spec is equipped with several peripherals:
Continuous flow peripherals (linked via Conflo IV):
-Isolink-OH elemental analyzed (EA) used for δD and δ18O measurements in hydrous silicates via combustion at 1400°C and reduction of water to H2 and CO, respectively. Integration of the area under m/z 2 and 3 allows to estimate H2O wt. % of the analyte. USGS57 and 58 micas standards are used for D/H data reduction to VSMOW values.
-Costech 4010 EA is typically used for CNS measurements. Currently in dormant state.
Dual inlet measurements:
-Laser-assisted fluorination of silicates to produce high-precision δ17O-δ18O measurements. The Fusion Teledyne 55W CO2 laser warms up a mineral grain up to the point of melting in presence of a fluorinating agent BrF5. The reaction of a silicate with BrF5 produces O2 gas and condensable byproducts (e.g., SiF4). The reaction proceeds under vacuum (~1E-03 mbar) in a stainless-steel vacuum line. A series of cryogenic traps are used to purify the resultant O2 gas.
State of the lab (Jan 2024; “almost there”):
Inside the mass spec:
Analyzer of our Delta V Plus. The flight tube and collector assembly housing are machined inside the metal block.
Transfer and distillation of our fluorinating agent
Chlorine in solid form — a common byproduct