Isotope Analysis

Schematic of a multi collector mass spectrometer
  

We develop mass spectrometric protocols for isotopic analysis and use them for the quantification of elements, species, and biomolecules. Additionally we determine natural variations of isotopes.

Isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) is a universal and very reliable technique in elemental trace and species analysis and offers the highest accuracy of results. IDMS is the only primary measuring technique in elemental trace analysis, especially for complex matrices. Therefore we develop IDMS protocols, certify the respective reference materials and take part in reference analyses and intercomparisons at the highest metrological level.

Isotope analysis, i.e., the analysis of the isotopic composition of an element, is another important focus of our work. On one hand, each conversion of a substance’s mass into its quantity requires the knowledge of the isotopic composition of the respective elements. On the other hand, isotopic variations occur in nature and are characteristic for particular processes. The measurement of such isotopic variations allows us to conclude on these processes or to deduce the history or the origin of an analysed sample. In addition, targeted use of enriched stable isotopes, so-called tracers, permits the specific investigation of diverse processes. Together with our partners, we analyse biochemical processes via stable isotopes.

Aims and major topics

European Reference Material (ERM) Sulfur in Petrol
  

• Reference measurements for element quantification employing IDMS
• Investigation of authenticity and origin of food, cultural assets and other samples with isotope techniques
• Investigation of natural isotopic variations and application of stable isotope techniques for tracer studies in biochemistry
• Production and certification of matrix and isotope reference material
• Metrology in chemistry

Cooperations

TIMS filament in boat design for the Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry 

• EMRP-Project ENV02: Emerging requirements for measuring pollutants from automotive exhaust emissions; http://www.ptb.de/emrp/partemission-home.html
• „Metrology in chemistry”, PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt), BIPM (Bureau International des Poids et Mesures), CCQM (Comité Consultatif pour la Quantité de Matière - Consultative Committee for Amount of Substance)
• European Reference Materials ERM ^®, (Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements), LGC (Laboratory of the Government Chemist)
• IsoAnalysis UG, a spin-off of BAM

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