Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS) is an analytical technique used to measure the mass-to-charge ratio of ions. In this method, a sample is heated to high temperatures, causing atoms to ionize. The resulting ions are then accelerated and sorted based on their mass, allowing for precise identification and quantification of elements in the sample.
TIMS is particularly useful for analyzing isotopes, making it valuable in fields like geochemistry, nuclear science, and archaeology. By providing accurate isotopic ratios, TIMS helps researchers understand processes such as radiometric dating and the origins of geological materials.