Main features
- Exclusive zoom lens – a variable converging lens that allows instantaneous switching between isotope systems (Li → U, Pu) without moving the physical detector.
- Static multi-channel detector array – 16 Faraday cups and up to 6 ion counting detectors, allowing simultaneous detection of up to 22 ion beams in a mass range of ~15%.
- Extremely high accuracy and repeatability – relative standard deviation (RSD) for Nd isotope below 0.032% in 7 hours, detection limit below ppq for trace isotopes.
- Flexible customization according to application – customizable preamp resistance for each Faraday cup, configuration of 0–6 Daly detectors, EATO for Actini applications.
- Outstanding sensitivity – dry plasma sensitivity: U up to 410 V/ppm, Pb up to 500 V/ppm; wet plasma: U 40 V/ppm, Pb 50 V/ppm. Suitable for ultra-low concentration analysis.
- Diverse sample source integration – compatible with laser ablation for solid sample analysis, Aridus desolvator, autosampler, GC coupling, and cold gas system.
Detailed description
Technology & principles
Plasma 3 is a multi-collector mass spectrometry system using two sectors for electromagnetic analysis. After ionizing the sample, the ions are accelerated, separated by energy through a static electric field, and then by mass through a magnetic field. The zoom lens technology allows for adjusting the distance between the mass peaks to fit the fixed position of the detector array, facilitating the transition between isotopic systems without the need to move the physical detector.
Hạn chế của ICP-MS thông thường:
- Traditional MC-ICP-MS often requires moving the detector when switching measurement systems.
- Trace isotope analysis or elements with ultra-low concentrations (sub-ppq) require very high sensitivity and dynamic range.
Advantages of the Nu Plasma 3 system:
- Configuration of up to 6 Daly detectors helps expand the dynamic range to >10¹², achieving detection limits below ppq.
- The EATO option helps improve abundance sensitivity suitable for analyzing complex sample backgrounds.
Integration & expansion
- The system is compatible with multiple sample sources: laser ablation for solid sample analysis and mapping; Aridus II desolvator for dry sample analysis; ASX-112FR autosampler for liquid sample series; GC for speciation; cold vapor system for Hg and volatile elements.
- The Plasma 3D variant is equipped with 6 detectors, ideal for lead, U-Pb, Th, and Li isotope analysis.

