Key features
- 7kV acceleration voltage – significantly improves sensitivity and signal stability, providing superior measurement performance.
- Patented Zoom Optics system – allows monitoring of masses from 1 to 100 with precise peak matching, eliminating the need to move the physical detector.
- Mini-electrostatic filter (Mini-ESA) – placed in front of the mass spectrometer 3 (DH), removes low-energy He⁺ ions from the HD⁺ ion beam, improving data accuracy.
- Two flexible analysis modes – integrates both Dual Inlet IRMS (with a separate cabinet) and Continuous Flow IRMS, connecting to a variety of sample preparation systems.
- Large mass dispersion – effective magnetic field radius of 30 cm for CO₂, combined with CNOS and H mass resolution exceeding >110 (10% valley).
- Integrated Nu Ember Elemental Analyser (EA) – allows rapid determination of CNHOS content and isotopic composition analysis on various solid and liquid sample types.
Detailed description
Technology & principles
Horizon 2 is an IRMS using a Nier ion source (voltage ≤7 kV), increasing sensitivity and stability. Ions are separated by m/z in a magnetic field, simultaneously collected by the Faraday system. Zoom Optics allows for changing dispersion, accurately focusing without moving the physical detector → reducing mechanical error.
Common limitations of IRMS:
Both Dual Inlet (high accuracy) and Continuous Flow (high throughput) need to be analyzed – many systems only optimize one mode; H/D analysis is interfered with by low energy He⁺; diverse sample preparation equipment connections are needed.
Advantages of the Horizon 2 system:
- Integrates both Dual Inlet and Continuous Flow.
- Mini-ESA removes He⁺, improving accuracy for hydrogen.
- GC compatible (Scion 8300), elemental analyser (Nu Ember), Nu Carb (carbonate), 20-port manifold, glass cracker.
Integration & expansion
Combines Nu Ember (dual furnace, 3-column GC oven, TCD, Auto Gas Save) for CNHOS.
GC-IRMS interface with Agilent 7890 GC → analysis of δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, δD, δ¹⁸O.
Real differential vacuum pump → reduces scattering, lowers CF background.
Signal measurement amplifier up to 55V, evacuated preamplifier, programmed dilution.
Analysis chamber heated to 100°C, ion source heated to 250°C → cleaning, reducing contamination.