Jackson School of Geosciences

The Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory, led by Dr. Jaime Barnes, is a state-of-the-art facility featuring a ThermoElectron MAT 253 mass spectrometer along with advanced peripheral devices, including a TC/EA, GasBench II, Conflo IV, online silicate laser extraction line, general-purpose vacuum extraction lines, and a chlorine purification line. This comprehensive instrumentation suite enables precise measurements of stable isotope ratios (H, C, N, O, S, and Cl) in a wide range of materials, including silicate, phosphate, and carbonate minerals, volcanic gases, air, and water samples, supporting pioneering research in isotope geochemistry.

Services Offered

• Light isotope ratio measurement (H, C, N, O, S)
• Elemental analysis of environmental samples
• High-precision mass spectrometry
• Training in isotope analysis methods
• Support for environmental and geological studies

Services Offered

• Fracture and diagenesis analysis of geological samples
• Experimental setups for rock mechanics and geomechanical testing
• Consulting on subsurface fracture behavior
• Research partnerships on reservoir characterization and petroleum geology

The Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory specializes in measuring the isotopic compositions and elemental concentrations of various elements, including Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, Lu-Hf, U-Th-Pb, Li, B, Mg, K, Zr, and rare earth elements (REE). The laboratory is equipped with a seven-collector Finnigan MAT 261 thermal ionization mass spectrometer, along with a single-channel ion-counting system. This advanced instrumentation supports a wide range of geochemical research, providing critical data for understanding elemental and isotopic processes.

Services Offered

• High-precision isotope ratio measurements
• Thermal ionization mass spectrometry for geochemistry
• Sample preparation and analysis
• Training in TIMS techniques for isotope analysis