Introduction - Online Webinar about Nu Sil
Nu Sil is a new sample preparation system recently launched by Nu Instruments, designed for high-precision analysis of silicon isotopes in silica (silicon dioxide). The Nu Sil system connects to the Perspective isotope ratio mass spectrometer (Perspective IRMS), providing high sample processing efficiency on small size samples (only a few $\mu\text{g}$ Si) with measurement accuracy and authenticity equivalent to the MC-ICP-MS method. All these features are integrated into a compact device (small footprint), with minimal operating costs due to low material consumption.
Before analysis, both solid and liquid silica samples are converted through a simple process into barium fluorosilicate (BaSiF6). Then, Nu Sil operates by automatically thermally decomposing BaSiF6 into SiF4 gas, which can be analyzed by Perspective IRMS. The Perspective system allows for easy analysis without being affected by matrix effects and mass discrimination effects that are commonly encountered in the MC-ICP-MS method.
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| Nu Sil system | Perspective coupled with Nu Sil |
Overview of the Webinar
Stephen Rablen from Nu Instruments:
- Introduction to silicon isotope analysis
- Current Si analysis techniques
- Description of the Nu Sil system
- Data presentation
Professor Mark Brzezinski from UCSB (University of California, Santa Barbara):
- Sample preparation chemistry: batch conversion of SiO2 to BaSiF6 suitable for running in the Nu Sil system.
- System performance: measurement precision and system accuracy.