Abstract:

High-precision and high-quality analytical technique is the foundation of exploring applications of non-traditional stable isotope geochemistry. Actually, isotopic analysis is a process that the real isotopic information concealed in the sample is continuously being extracted, consisting of four basic steps, namely, sample preparation, chemical separation, mass spectrometry and data processing. In the process of isotopic analysis, each step could possibly introduce blank or contamination, and occur isotopic fractionation, which will result into mistaken information. In order to obtain the true isotopic composition of the sample, it is important to avoid contamination effectively and correct interference accurately. In this paper, on the basis of previous works, we take calcium isotope as an example, to discuss the key aspects involved in the four steps. We hope that this paper will help researchers to establish analytical methods in new isotopic systems, and also provide support in reservoir prospecting, mechanism deduction and geological applications.

Key words: analytical technique, sample preparation, chemical separation, mass spectrometry, data processing, Ca isotopes