Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometer Facility (TIMS)

TIMS lab

The TIMS facility is equipped with a Finnigan MAT 262V mass spectrometer which arrived in February 1993. The MAT262 has 8 Faraday collectors and an SEM-ion counting system and is routinely used to measure Sr, Sm, Nd, and Pb isotopes for geochronology and tracer studies. The TIMS facility is supported by a class 100 clean lab for the preparation of 'clean' Sr, Sm, Nd and Pb separates from powdered rock samples and mineral separates.

We offer training in clean lab chemistry and mass spectrometry techniques for students and researchers who wish to take an active role in their sample preparation and analysis. We also accept contract work from external universities, industry and government agencies.