thermal ionization mass spectrometer
A thermal ionization mass spectrometer (TIMS) is an analytical instrument used to measure the mass-to-charge ratio of ions. It works by heating a sample to high temperatures, causing atoms to lose electrons and form ions. These 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 in fields like geochemistry and nuclear science, where it helps analyze isotopes of elements such as uranium and lead. The technique provides high sensitivity and accuracy, making it valuable for research and applications in radiometric dating and environmental monitoring.