Main features
- Proprietary Dual Path Transfer Optics – two separate ion pathways, allowing flexible switching between MC-ICP-MS mode and collision/reaction cell mode without affecting performance
- Advanced hexapole Collision/Reaction Cell – up to 4 independently controlled reaction gas inlets (H₂, He, …), removing Ar⁺ signals by more than 9 orders of magnitude, ensuring sensitivity for the analyzed ions
- Ultra-wide dynamic range multi-channel detector – 16 Faraday cups, up to 6 ion counting detectors (SEM/Daly), dynamic range of 0–75 Gcps (0–1200 V), suitable for trace analysis to high concentrations
- Outstanding sensitivity with enhanced interface – the highest sensitivity in its class, maintaining optimal ion transmission when switching to cell mode, significantly reducing sample size requirements
- Variable Zoom Optics and multiple resolution levels – instantaneous switching between isotopic systems during analysis; resolution LR≥1100, MR≥6000, HR≥8000 (10% valley)
- Wide application and high customization – compatible with wet plasma, membrane desolvation (Aridus3), hydride/cold vapor generation, and laser ablation, suitable for geochemistry, environmental, nuclear, biomedical, and planetary science
Detailed description
Technology & principles
Sapphire is an MC-ICP-MS with two ion pathways in the same machine: (1) high-energy pathway (not through a cell) for isotopes without interference; (2) low-energy pathway through a collision/reaction cell (H₂, He) to eliminate interference (Ar⁺, ArH⁺, ArO⁺). The device has a double-focusing configuration (25 cm magnetic field, 35 cm electric field) ensuring high resolution and stability.
Common limitations of ICP-MS:
- Traditional high-resolution reduces ion transmission, making it difficult to handle diverse samples (Sr, Nd, Hf, Pb without interference; K, Ca, Fe, Mg with interference).
Advantages of the Sapphire system:
- Solution: proprietary dual path technology – flexible switching between two modes, eliminating interference at low-resolution, maintaining sensitivity, reducing sample size, optimizing investment costs.
Integration & expansion
- Supports wet plasma, membrane desolvation, hydride/cold vapor, laser ablation.
- Automatic sample loading ASX-112FR, soft Faraday switch amplifier, dry pump reduces hydrocarbon background.
- Sapphire XD variant: Double Wien mass filter + Xtra Dispersion for MS/MS and extended resolution.