IPERION HSIntegrated Platform for the European Research Infrastructure

Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS)

Thermal ionization mass spectrometry, (TIMS) is a highly sensitive isotope characterization technique that determines the isotopic composition of an individual element. Singly charged ions of the sample are formed by the thermal ionization effect. A chemically purified liquid sample is placed on a metal filament which is then heated to evaporate the solvent. In the mass spectrometer, the removal of an electron from the purified sample is achieved by heating the filament, which then ionizes the atoms of the sample. TIMS utilizes a magnetic sector mass analyser to separate the ions based on their mass to charge ratio. The ions gain velocity by an electrical potential gradient and are focused into a beam by electrostatic lenses. The ion beam then passes through the magnetic field of the electromagnet where it is partitioned into separate ion beams based on the ion's mass/charge ratio. These mass-resolved beams are directed into a detector where it is converted into voltage. The voltage detected is then used to calculate the isotopic ratio.

Fields of application

  • Cultural heritage

    archaeological object and site, architecture, art, decorative arts, mosaics, painting, sculpture, textile

  • Natural heritage

    animal product, botanic collection, fossil, mineral, shell, skeleton, taxidermy collection

Materials

  • inorganic

    glass, stone, metal and metallurgical By-Products, ceramic (clay, mud brick, terracotta, earthenware, stoneware, porcelain)

  • organic

    animal parts, wood, paper, textiles

TOOLS

Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometer (TIMS)

Thermal ionization mass spectrometry, (TIMS) is a highly accuracy isotope characterization technique. Thanks to the multicollector system, up to five isotopes are detected at the same time. This ensure the achievement of the best results. The isotopic ratios of nuclides can be also used to get an accurate measurement for the elemental analysis of a...

Triton Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometer (TIMS)

Triton plus with multiple ion counters, compact discrete dynodes and 4 10˄13 Ohm resitors