Instrument specification and virtual tours

The Cameca IMS 7f-Geo was installed in October 2018 and accepted in March 2019. It is equipped with a unique detection system combining a double Faraday cup and an Electron Multiplier. With this configuration, acquisition time is shortened and sub-permil precision for stable isotope ratio measurements can be achieved. Advances in electronics and software allows more automated analysis to be performed and the new Hyperion ion source produces a more stable O- ion beam with a higher spatial resolution.

Details include:

• A unique detection system combining a double Faraday cup detector system and an Electron Multiplier.
• Advances in electronics and software allows more automated analysis to be performed.
• A Hyperion ion source that produces a more stable O- or O2- ion beam with a higher spatial resolution.
• A six sample rapid air-lock system.
• Pfeiffer turbo pumps as a replacement for Agilent pumping system.

360 view of our IMS-7f Laboratory

The Cameca IMS 1300-HR³ was installed in December 2025 and accepted in March 2026. It replaces the IMS 1270 instrument and provides better sensitivity and higher analytical precision for isotopic ratio measurements of stable isotopes (O, Si, C, S, Li, B.). The high secondary ion transmission of the IMS 1300 at high mass resolution enables geochronology of U/Pb, Th/Pb, Th/U in old and young mineral phases such as Zircons, Monazite and Allenite, as well as new applications such as K/Ca-dating.

Details include:

• Mass resolution up to 40,000.
• NMR or Hall probe control of the Magnetic field.
• Hyperion RF ion source for either positive or negative O ion generation with pumping and gun isolation.
• Cs microbeam ion source with additional pumping and gun isolation for the production of Cs+ ions.
• Sample storage chamber (6x) and automated sample exchange.
• Oxygen flooding attachment.
• Multi collector option installed with 3 electron multipliers and 4 Faraday cups.
• 10¹² Ω resistor Faraday cup boards for low-noise measuring low count rates (e.g. ¹⁷O)
• UV-light microscope for improved optical image resolution.
• Normal incidence electron gun for charge neutralisation while analysing insulating specimens.
• Scanning ion image option for image collection.
• Automated Z-stage for adjusting the height of sample.

Image of our IMS 1300-HR³ Laboratory

The facility also has the necessary support equipment:

• Sample preparation including impregnation, cutting, grinding and polishing equipment*.
• Gold and carbon sputter coaters and a carbon evaporation coater.
• Reflected and transmitted light microscopes with photographic facilities for specimen documentation.
• Zeiss Smartproof 5 widefield confocal microscope for sample imaging and topographical analysis, including pit depths.
• Cathodoluminescence microscope in support of ion microprobe applications.
• Pie Scientific Tergeo Plasma Cleaner to reduce hydrocarbon contamination on samples
• Vacuum sample storage cabinet.
• Off-line data translation and processing computers.
• Access to state-of-the-art Electron Microprobe Facility and SEM Facility in support of ion microprobe applications*.

*charges may apply