High resolution multielement and isotope analysis

Element Series.
Separation of analytes from interferences.

HR-ICP-MS dual-focused to physically separate spectral interferences, measure majority ultratrace elements and obtain isotope ratios in challenging matrices — by laser solution or ablation.

Thermo Scientific Element 2 HR-ICP-MSHR-ICP-MS
Element 2 HR-ICP-MS · official image Thermo Fisher Scientific

A family of HR-ICP-MS. Three modes of resolution.

R 10.000high nominal resolution
>10¹² cpsDynamic track in Element XR
sub-pptlimits for most elements

Overview

Interference separation in complex matrices.

The Element Series uses a dual-focused magnetic sector analyzer and selectable cracks to physically separate ions from the analyte from interfering species species. This reduces reactive gas dependence and allows working with a multi-element method even in complex matrices.

Element 2 and Element XR share the same proposal of high resolution, sensitivity and stability. The XR adds Faraday detector and extends the dynamic range in three orders of magnitude, being especially valuable when major and ultratrace signals need to be measured in the same flow.

System Settings

Element 2 or Element XR?

Both models use magnetic sector HR-ICP-MS. The choice depends mainly on the dynamic range and detection system required by the application.

01Double mode detection
Thermo Scientific Element 2 HR-ICP-MS

Element 2 HR-ICP-MS

Robust solution for chemical analysis, semiconductors, research and production control with high sensitivity and physical resolution of interference.

Most suitable formultielement and isotopic methods in which the dynamic range of up to 109 cps meets the present concentrations.
  • SEM detector with two-way operation.
  • Linear range of less than 0,2 cps to more than 109 cps.
  • Three fixed resolutions in exchange in less than a second.
  • High sensitivity in wet and dry plasma with Jet Interface.
02SEM + Faraday
Thermo Scientific Element XR HR-ICP-MS

Element XR HR-ICP-MS

It adds Faraday detection and expands the dynamic range to deal with very intense signals, large isotope ratios and poorly known composition samples.

Most suitable forFull screening, laser ablation, matrices with large concentration variation and ratios between major and minority isotopes.
  • Dynamic range extended to more than 1012 cps.
  • Three additional magnitude orders against Element 2.
  • Additional filter for better sensitivity of abundance.
  • Automatic switch to Faraday when the signal exceeds the SEM range.

Technology

High resolution with magnetic sector.

The family combines physical separation in the magnetic sector, high sensitivity and wide detection range for transient solutions and signals.

Thermo Scientific Element XR HR-ICP-MS
Element XR presented in the official catalogue of the Element Series family.
01

Three resolution modes

LR R=300 maximizes sensitivity; MR R=4,000 solves most interferences; HR R=10,000 separates spectral challenges into complex matrices.

02

Separation without reactive chemistry

Analyte is physically separated from interferents such as oxides, argon-based species, nitrides and doubly charged ions, preserving a direct multielement flow.

03

Integrated Jet Interface

Cones and high-capacity pumping increase the transmission of ions in wet and dry plasma, favoring detection limits and transient signals.

04

Detection according to intensity

Element 2 uses SEM in double mode. The Element XR combines SEM and Faraday to cover more than twelve orders of magnitude.

05

Stability for isotope ratios

Mass and signal stability support accurate isotopic measurements and long series, both in solution and in situ analysis.

Applications

Ultratrace analysis, isotopes and complex materials.

The ability to change resolution within the same method expands the use of the platform in research and production monitoring.

Image of semiconductors from the official catalogue Element Series
01

High purity semiconductors and chemicals

Impurities in ultrapure water, acids, solvents, silanes and process materials, with sub-ppt limits for most elements.

Elemental analysis laboratory in official image Thermo Fisher Scientific
02

Laboratories and production control

Robust multielement methods, with less need for preparation, dilutions and multiple routes for different interferences.

03

Geosciences and geochronology

Trace elements in rocks and minerals, provenance, paleoclimate and dating U-Pb in situ in zircon, rutile, grenade and carbonates.

04

Environment and oceanography

Trace metals and their isotopes in water, ice, soil and sediment, including complex salt matrices such as seawater.

05

Nuclear science

Uranium ratios and other systems with a strong difference in abundance, as well as ultratrace quantification in relevant matrices.

Ultratrait analysis image from the official catalogue Element Series
06

Nanoparticles and materials

Detection of individual particles, size distribution and multi-element characterization of advanced materials.

Images of applications and equipment: official materials Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Introduction and analytical flow

Solution, laser and transient signals.

The introduction configuration is chosen according to matrix, concentration, spatial resolution and need for speciation.

01

Aqueous solutions

Waters, digests and acids with multi-element methods in different resolutions.

02

Pure solvents and chemicals

Introduction of high purity solvents and reagents with Blank control and sensitivity.

03

Laser Ablation

Direct sampling of solids for trace elements, mapping and dating U-Pb in situ.

04

Wet or dry plasma

Use of conventional or desolvating introduction according to sensitivity and interference.

05

Chromatography

Coupling with HPLC, CG, CE or FFF for transient signals and speciation methods.

06

Individual particle

Fast acquisition of transient events to characterize nanoparticles.

Technical summary

Technical specifications.

The values below synthesize the family. The definitive setting depends on the application and the selected options.

Analyzer
Dual focus magnetic sector HR-ICP-MS
Low resolution
R = 300
Average resolution
R = 4.000
High resolution
R = 10.000
Exchange of resolution
Less than 1 second between fixed modes
Dynamic Range — Element 2
<0,2 cps a >10⁹ cps
Dynamic range — Element XR
<0,2 cps a >10¹² cps
Detection
Dual mode SEM; on XR, SEM + Faraday
Introduction
Solution, laser ablation and peripherals for transient signals

Technical library

Official catalogues.

Documents are made available exclusively for download.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the platform.

Technical information on the selection and configuration of the platform.

01What is the difference between Element 2 and Element XR?

The two offer HR-ICP-MS magnetic sector with resolutions R=300, 4,000 and 10,000. The Element XR adds Faraday detector and extends the dynamic range in three orders of magnitude, from more than 109 cps in Element 2 to more than 1012 cps.

02Does the Element Series measure isotope ratios?

Yes. High sensitivity, stability and physical resolution allow accurate isotope ratios. However, when priority is maximum accuracy by simultaneous detection of multiple isotopes, a multi-collector platform such as Neoma may be more appropriate.

03How does Element remove interference?

The magnetic sector analyzer uses high mass resolution to physically separate peaks from analytes and interferers. Thus, many interferences can be resolved without depending on collision or reaction gases.

04Can Element work with laser ablation?

Yes. The series is suitable for transient signals of laser ablation and is used in in situ analyses, including elemental quantification and U-Pb dating in minerals.

05When is Element XR preferable to Element 2?

XR is preferable when the same analysis involves very intense and ultratrace signals, large isotope ratios, poorly known concentration matrices or laser ablation with wide signal variation.

Next step

Set the configuration from your sample.

Inform matrix, isotope systems, expected concentration, required accuracy and introduction form. SENS helps compose the complete system.

Request application evaluation