The Alphachron is the first commercially available, automated, integrated and compact turnkey system designed for the extraction and measurement of gases from mineral samples (Australian Scientific Instruments - ASI). The device operates under high vacuum and is equipped with a diode laser and a Pfeiffer Vacuum quadrupole mass spectrometer. Samples, which were previously wrapped in Pt or Nb foil, are heated in the sample chamber with the laser to 900-1200°C to release trapped gas from the crystals which is subsequently analysed using the mass spectrometer. This process is fully automated and pc-controlled, allowing fast and consistent sample processing and higher sample numbers as it can run overnight. Our newly reconstructed laboratory has been adapted especially for this machine and is climate controlled to provide optimal conditions for consistent measurements.
For more information on the (U-Th)/Helium Method please visit here.