NanoSIMS

The NanoSIMS N50L (Cameca) is a ion microprobe optimized to produce images of large chemical or isotopic variations in solid samples in which high spatial resolution is required. Like the 1280 instrument, the NanoSIMS can deliver a primary beam of Cs+ or O- to a sample surface, but focused too a smaller spot of ∼50 and 150 nm, respectively.

Lateral resolution: 50-150 nm
Mass resolution: > 10000

The NanoSIMS N50L is equipped with a multi-collector system that allows simultaneous collection of up to 7 different isotopes. Images or maps can be generated from the lightest elements, such as H (e.g. D/H ratios), C (¹³C/¹²C ratios), N (¹⁵N/¹⁴N ratios), O (e.g. ¹⁸O/¹⁶O ratios) to the heaviest elements like uranium.

The NanoSIMS instrument belong to the Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry (LGB), an EPFL lab led by Prof. Anders Meibom.

For more information on NanoSIMS and LGB lab please visit this website

Prof. Anders Meibom