Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026

Protease- and Acid-catalyzed Labeling Workflows Employing 18O-enriched Water
Published on: February 20, 2013
Analysis of 18O/16O Isotope Ratios in Organic Matter by Laser Ablation IRMS
Elina K Sahlstedt1, Neil J Loader2, Katja T Rinne-Garmston1
1Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Latokartanonkaari 9, 00790 Helsinki, Finland.
Abstract:
In recent years, the application of laser ablation isotope ratio mass spectrometry has revolutionized the field of carbon isotope analysis, enabling routine analyses at high spatial resolution (30-40 μm). Until now, an equivalent analytical method for oxygen isotope ratio (18O/16O) measurements has been lacking. In this article, we describe a preparatory system for analysis of the oxygen isotope composition of carbon monoxide produced from organic samples. The system couples a UV laser platform and automated cryofocusing unit with an isotope ratio mass spectrometer. The method is tested on cellulose and wood (tree rings) and is shown to produce data with analytical precision typically better than 0.4‰ with a sampling resolution of 100 μm (laser beam diameter). Coupled with spatially accurate and minimally invasive laser sampling, the ability to measure stable oxygen isotopes in this way represents a significant advance as it opens up new research opportunities in plant sciences, ecology, paleoclimatology, and science-based archeology.
More Related Videos
07:57Sampling and Pretreatment of Tooth Enamel Carbonate for Stable Carbon and Oxygen Isotope Analysis
Published on: August 15, 2018
09:38Single-throughput Complementary High-resolution Analytical Techniques for Characterizing Complex Natural Organic Matter Mixtures
Published on: January 7, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy: Overview
Different compounds display unique properties due to their...
Mass Spectrometry: Isotope Effect
Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry (ICP–MS): Overview
Sample Preparation for Analysis: Advanced Techniques
Acid digestion with strong acids is commonly used to dissolve inorganic materials that are insoluble (do not dissolve) in water. This method can be useful for...
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Atomization Methods
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Lab
Solutions containing organic solvents, such as low-molecular-mass alcohols, esters, or ketones, enhance absorbances by increasing...