Bruker Launches Ultra-Sensitive Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer for Nanoanalysis

At the European Winter Conference on Plasma Spectrochemistry 2013 (EWCPS), Bruker launches the aurora Elite, a new ultra-sensitive Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). Complementing the now updated workhorse aurora M90 ICP-MS for routine laboratory analysis, the new aurora Elite sets unprecedented and truly exceptional standards for sensitivity and matrix robustness, even exceeding the performance of expensive magnetic sector field ICP-MS systems in many aspects, and far exceeding the sensitivity of all other quadrupole ICP-MS systems on the market today.

The EWCPS conference focuses on major topics of analytical plasma spectrochemistry, with Bruker experts and customers presenting a series of posters and talks illustrating the capabilities, applications and innovative design of both the now further enhanced aurora M90 and the new addition to the Bruker ICP-MS family, the aurora Elite. Topics covered by the posters and oral presentations include:

• 3D Ion Optics for ICP-MS
• Ion Optics for ICP-MS
• Mini Collision Cell for ICP-MS
• Isotope Ratio Determinations: High Sensitivity for Highest Precision
• Combining Highest Sensitivity with Selectivity for Quadrupole ICP-MS
• Advantages of High Sensitivity ICP-MS for Laser Ablation
• Measuring ²⁶Mg/²⁴Mg and ⁴⁴Ca/⁴⁰Ca Isotope Ratios in Environmental Samples by Q-ICP-MS
• Determination of Hg in Environmental Waters Using the Bruker aurora M90 in High Sensitivity Mode

The aurora Elite boasts a host of performance enhancements and new features, with unprecedented 1.5 gigahertz per parts per million (1.5 GHz / ppm) sensitivity for precise and accurate quantification at single digit ppt levels and below, which makes the aurora Elite the most sensitive ICP-MS instrument on the market. This incredible sensitivity makes it eminently suitable for the semiconductor, geochemistry, materials science and related applications. The lowest oxide ratios using its patented turner-interlaced coils ensures robust plasma conditions for complete matrix decomposition, all without the requirement of a plasma shield or guard electrode.

The combination of the aurora Elite’s high sensitivity with the all-digital detector delivers excellent results for isotope ratio determinations of low concentrations and for large ratios, and this is true for liquids and solids. The combination of the aurora Elite’s GHz sensitivity with very short integration times makes this an ideal instrument for the analysis of nanoparticles at the smallest dimensions. The incorporation of an easy-to-use Collision Reaction Interface (CRI II) provides a solution for simple, robust, maintenance-free interference challenges, with the convenience of either Helium- or Hydrogen mode, for improved detection limits of spectrally interfered isotopes and highest accuracy.

The expanded ICP-MS range from Bruker, including the enhanced aurora M90 and the new aurora Elite, now also offer 21 CFR Part 11 compliance to meet the requirements of pharmaceutical, biotech and CRO customers.

Dr. Meike Hamester, Director ICP-MS Global Market Development and Product Management at Bruker’s Chemical and Applied Markets (CAM) Division, commented:

“The introduction of the most sensitive ICP-MS on the market provides an instrument that powers the business of quantification. Sensitivity is the key when low detection limits are the goal and the aurora Elite will be the enabler allowing trace elemental analysts to redefine their application boundaries.”