Recent developments in isotope ratio measurements by resonance ionization mass spectrometry

Resonance ionization mass spectrometry (RIMS) has become a sensitive and highly selective technique for the determination of extremely low elemental or isotopic abundances, involving isotope ratio measurements with dynamical ranges of 109 and beyond. The experimental detection limits are as low as 106 atoms per sample, and isotopic selectivities of up to 1013 have been achieved under optimal conditions. The potential of RIMS using different experimental systems is outlined in the determination of lowest abundances and isotope ratios of long-lived radioisotopes of general importance like Pu238-244, 41Ca, and 236U for studies in geosciences, environmental, bio-medical or fundamental research.