Advancements in Thorium Isotope Analysis: The Role of Neoma MS/MS MC-ICP-MS

Thorium (Th) isotope analysis is important across various scientific fields, including geology, archaeometry, life sciences, and nuclear applications. The precision of Th isotope measurements is particularly significant in geosciences for determining erosion rates, climate studies, and dating geological samples. However, traditional methods face limitations in accuracy and precision due to challenges like tailing corrections and spectral interferences. Researchers at the Joint Research Centre (JRC), Karlsruhe, Germany, explored the capabilities of the Thermo Scientific Neoma MS/MS MC-ICP-MS to overcome these limitations and developed a reliable method for the precise and accurate measurement of the ²³⁰Th/²³²Th isotope ratio. Their findings have been published in the International Journal of Pure and Applied Analytical Chemistry Talanta.

Thermo Fisher Scientific: Advancements in Thorium Isotope Analysis - The Role of Neoma MS-MS MC-ICP-MS

As reported by Varga et al. (2025) the novel method using Neoma MS/MS MC-ICP-MS shows a tenfold improvement in precision relative to previously published MC-ICP-MS values. This enhancement is attributed to the instrument’s advanced design, including a pre-cell mass filter, which enables a clean spectrum entering the mass spectrometer, leading to improved signal-to-noise ratios.

The ability of Neoma MS/MS MC-ICP-MS to eliminate the need for tailing corrections is particularly noteworthy. This feature significantly reduces measurement uncertainty, allowing for more precise Th isotope ratio determinations. The instrument’s high sensitivity and low background noise further contribute to the quality of the data produced, making it a valuable tool for high-precision isotope analysis in various applications, including geological and nuclear forensic studies. The validation of Neoma’s performance through the measurement of certified Th isotope reference materials (IRMM-035 and IRMM-036) demonstrated its capability to produce results with much-improved uncertainty, reported by Varga et al. (2025).

Curious to learn more about Neoma MS/MS MC-ICP-MS technology?

Check out our infographic explaining the pre-cell mass filters for multicollector ICP-MS and see why Neoma MS/MS MC-ICP-MS technology is unique and what benefits it offers over other approaches for the removal of the sample matrix and prevention of molecular interferences. This is not the only way to clean your mass spectra – Neoma MS/MS MC-ICP-MS can separate out isobaric interferences through reaction with gases within a dedicated collision/reaction cell. Up to four different collision and reaction gases can be connected for highly effective interference removal.

Learn more about our Multicollector ICP-MS technology.