Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry

Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) is a technique used to measure the ratios of different forms of elements, called isotopes, in a sample. Since isotopes of an element have the same chemical properties but slightly different masses, IRMS can distinguish and quantify these differences. This information reveals details about natural processes, origins, or environmental conditions affecting the sample—like tracking food sources, climate changes, or ecological pathways. The method involves converting the sample into gases, then precisely measuring the isotope ratios with specialized instruments, providing insights into the sample's history and characteristics.