multicollector

A multicollector is an instrument or system designed to collect multiple signals, samples, or ion beams simultaneously, or in rapid succession, rather than a single stream or channel. The term is most often used in scientific instrumentation to refer to multi-collector mass spectrometers, where several ion-collection devices are arranged to capture different mass-to-charge ratios at the same time. This arrangement contrasts with single-collector instruments, which analyze one mass channel at a time.

In a multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS), ions are generated in a plasma and directed into a mass analyzer. Multiple collectors, such as Faraday cups or discrete dynodes, surround the ion beam and simultaneously measure currents corresponding to different isotopes. The parallel data collection improves measurement precision, reduces drift, and enables accurate isotope ratio determinations. These capabilities are particularly valuable in geochemistry, cosmochemistry, archaeology, and environmental science.

Key applications include high-precision isotope ratio studies for geochronology (for example, dating and tracing processes using Pb, Sr, Nd isotopes), sourcing and provenance investigations, and tracing elemental migrations in natural and engineered systems. Multicollector instruments support small sample sizes and complex correction schemes, enhancing reliability in isotope-dratio analysis.

Limitations include higher cost, greater complexity, increased maintenance, and more demanding calibration and data reduction to account for instrument biases and inter-detector differences. As a result, multicollector systems are typically housed in specialized laboratories with experienced operators.

See also: single-collector mass spectrometry, ICP-MS, isotope geochemistry.