Particle detectors used in isotope ratio mass spectrometry, with applications in geology, environmental science and nuclear forensics

Nicholas S. Lloyd, Johannes Schwieters, Matthew S. A. Horstwood, Randall R. Parrish

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

    Abstract

    This chapter introduces the reader to mass spectrometry and the instruments used to determine high-precision isotope ratios. These instruments separate ion beams, of charged atomic particles with kinetic energies of several keV, by mass-to-charge ratio. Quantitative detection of these energetic charged particles is a key technology in mass spectrometry. For isotope ratio determination the main detector types are Faraday cups, the Daly detector, and discrete dynode secondary electron multiplier (SEM) ion counters. For high-precision applications, arrays of these detectors are arranged to collect several ion beams simultaneously. Examples are given for the application of these detectors in geology, environmental sciences, and nuclear safeguards.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationHandbook of Particle Detection and Imaging
    EditorsClaus Grupen, Irène Buvat
    PublisherSpringer
    Pages685-701
    ISBN (Electronic)978-3-642-13271-1
    ISBN (Print)978-3-642-13270-4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2012

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