Abstract
Multicollector noble gas mass spectrometry has yielded significant
improvements in the precision of 40Ar/39Ar age determinations over the
last decade [1,2]. We report initial results from the new Isotopx
NGX mass spectometer at the WiscAr Laboratory that is equipped with 9
Faraday detectors and 1 ion counting multiplier. The NGX utilizes
Isotopx’s ATONA® amplifier technology, enabling measurements spanning a
dynamic range from below 10−16 A to above 10−9 A [3]. Moreover, the
WiscAr NGX offers the unique opportunity to evaluate instrument
performance using both a conventional, and a newer low temperature,
Nier-type ion source, which allows for trap current variation. We have
performed a series of tests to: (1) assess optimal measurement and
integration times for blanks, baselines, and air aliquots of various
sizes, (2) quantify the NGX sensitivity via measurements of first
principle 40Ar/39Ar standards fused with a CO2 laser, and (3) compare
the sensitivity and effects on instrument background between the
conventional and new low temperature Nier-type sources. Initial results
suggest that for most samples optimal precision is achieved when using
10 second integration times for measurements lasting 400-600 seconds.
Measurements of low 36Ar signals are optimized with longer integration
and measurement times. In addition to measurement optimization
experiments, we performed a comparative analysis of both fusion and
incremental heating data obtained using the WiscAr Nu Instruments
Noblesse, MAP 215-50, and the NGX for a variety of geologic materials
which range in age from Pleistocene to Permian. Pychron software [4]
controls the entire NGX analytical system, including data collection and
reduction. Careful experiment design in this automated system, when
informed by optimized counting practices and knowledge of collector
sensitivity, can lead to high precision 40Ar/39Ar dates. [1] Jicha
et al. (2016), Chemical Geology 431, 54–66 [2] Mark et al.
(2009), Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems 10 [3] Cox et
al. (2020), Geochron. Discuss, 2020-1. [4] Ross J., 2019,
NMGRL/pychron v18.2, doi: 10.5281/zenodo.3237834.