The laboratory features a Thermo Electron MAT 252 stable isotope mass spectrometer acquired in 1995. This instrument is a workhorse in the stable isotope field and has performed thousands of isotope determinations over the years. In 2005 the lab aquired a Gas Bench II, HDevice, and a PAL autosampler with the help of an NSF I&F matching grant. These devices augment our standard dual-inlet techniques with continuous flow capabilities, modernize our water equilibration techniques, allow hydrogen isotope analyses via chromium reduction, and enable automated sample introduction. Analysis of oxygen and hydrogen isotopes in water samples are routine and we are developing experience with carbonate analyses.

Traditional "off-line" vacuum extraction lines are also available for teaching, research, and the manual conversion of organic samples and carbonates into gaseous form for isotopic analysis.

The Stable Isotope Laboratory generates results to further the research projects of department faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, and collaborators from other institutions. In addition, contract analyses are performed for interested clients. Contact Bill Winston or Bob Criss with inquires.