There have been some big changes in the GAU in recent weeks with the arrival of a new multi-collector(MC-) ICP-MS. The Nu Plasma II (NP2-56) was delivered on 11 June and installation and commissioning was completed on 3 July. This new generation of MC-ICP-MS has an expanded collector array (16 Faradays and 5 ion counters) and the enhanced sensitivity over the original Nu Plasma instruments. These features will aid the development of split-stream in situ analysis using laser ablation, as well as the measurement of non-traditional stable isotopes of light elements. The Nu Plasma II replaces Nu Plasma 005, which was the first MC-ICP-MS in Australia and is now looking for a new home after more than 16 years of outstanding performance.
Jamie Royce (Nu Instruments, UK) and Norman Pearson during the installation of NPII-056.