MCICPMS

Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) is a mass spectrometric technique that uses an array of detectors to measure multiple isotope signals from a single sample in parallel. By capturing several isotope ratios simultaneously, MC-ICP-MS achieves higher precision and reduces temporal drift and counting statistics errors compared with single-detector ICP-MS systems.

Samples are introduced as aerosols or, in the case of LA-MC-ICP-MS, as laser-ablated solids. The ions are generated in an inductively coupled plasma and directed into a high-resolution or magnetic-sector mass spectrometer equipped with multiple collectors, typically Faraday cups for abundant isotopes and electron multipliers for rare isotopes. The detector arrangement permits direct measurement of isotope ratios such as 206Pb/204Pb, 143Nd/144Nd, 87Sr/86Sr, 176Hf/177Hf, and related systems with high precision. Instrumental mass bias and matrix effects are corrected by standard-sample bracketing and internal normalization, and interference from isobars or molecular species is addressed during data reduction.

Typical applications include geochemistry and geochronology, cosmochemistry, environmental tracing, archaeology and provenance studies, and some life-science work. The LA-MC-ICP-MS variant enables in situ isotope analysis of solid samples, with micro-sampling capabilities for minerals, zircon, enamel, and other materials.

Limitations include substantial cost, complexity of operation and data processing, and a need for rigorous calibration, standard materials, and interference correction strategies. When properly implemented, MC-ICP-MS provides high-precision isotope ratio measurements suitable for tracing sources, dating events, and understanding planetary processes.