Stable Isotope Lab

These laboratories facilitate dedicated, state-of-the-art stable isotope analysis of archaeological materials like bones, teeth, hair, sediments, soils, plants, shells, and water. The laboratories host a Thermo Scientific FLASH 2000 EA coupled to a Thermo Scientific DELTA V advantage ion ratio mass spectrometer (irMS) for bulk organic isotopic analysis, and a Gasbench II connected to a Thermo Scientific DELTA V advantage irMS for bulk inorganic isotopic analysis. Furthermore, an Agilent Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (GC-MSD), an Elementar vision GC-irMS, and a Thermo 253+ irMS for the analysis of single compounds, like leaf waxes extracted from sediments and soil and organic residues from archaeological ceramics. For sample preparation, the stable isotope lab provides all necessary pretreatment equipment such as Sandblasters, freeze driers, as well as a Buchi TLE setup.

We are also equipped for the isotopic analysis of water, Micromill sampling, and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) on our Bruker® VERTEX 70v FTIR Spectrometer. Strontium isotope analysis is carried out as part of a close partnership with the University of Cape Town, meaning that this set of laboratories can coordinate all of the major forms of archaeological stable isotope analysis.