Stable isotope ratiometer-multiple ion detector unit for quantitative and qualitative stable isotope studies by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

We have designed and constructed a stable isotope ratiometer-multiple ion detector unit, which can drive existing chromatograph-quadrupole or magnetic sector mass gas spectrometers to monitor up to six ions in turn. Each of the three pairs of ions can be selected for quantitation; thus three different or successive components can be analyzed in a single gas-chromatographic run. A background subtraction option permits the ion intensity in the absence of sample to be subtracted automatically during sample measurement. Displays of accumulated counts and isotope ratio are updated twice per second during the measurement and can be printed out at is conclusion. All six ions can be monitored in the analog mode by parallel outputs to a multipen recorder. Experience gained in the construction of this prototype indicates that such units could be commercially available for $10 000, or about a third to a sixth of the cost of even an inexpensive computer system.