Laser Ablation Micro-Sampling System

The University of Southampton was looking to purchase a Laser Ablation Micro-sampling System for connection to various ICP-MS instruments for the purpose of carrying out spatially resolved elemental and isotopic measurements in a wide range of earth, anthropogenic and biological materials. We have a particular interest in fast imaging/mapping applications. The supplied laser ablation micro-sampling system will be coupled to a range of mass spectrometers in our Research Facility including a Nu Instruments Vitesse TOF-ICP-MS, a Thermo Scientific Neoma MS/MS-MC-ICP-MS, a Thermo Scientific Neptune MC-ICP-MS, Thermo Scientific Element XR HR-ICP-MS, Agilent 8900 QQQ-ICP-MS and a Thermo Scientific X-Series ICP-MS. The laser ablation system will be used principally for fast mapping/imaging applications in conjunction with our Thermo Scientific Neoma MS/MS-MC-ICP-MS and Nu Vitesse TOF-ICP-MS. As such, it must be capable of achieving repetition rates of up to 1KHz with fast sample transport/washout. It is anticipated that the system will also be used for more conventional 'analytical-type' analyses on all of our ICP-MS instruments. The supplied system must seamlessly integrate with the hardware and software of our ICP-MS instruments to permit fully programmed/automated analyses. The laser within the system must be capable of coupling with a wide range of materials in a range of formats. Procurement Process: This procurement process was conducted as an Open procedure consisting of an Invitation to Tender stage only. Contract Period: The University entered into a five-year contract with the awarded supplier, consisting of a one-year delivery lead time then a four-year warranty period to commence upon delivery and acceptance of the goods. There is also an option to extend by a further 3 years subject to satisfactory performance and at the discretion of the University. Additional information: This contract was NOT suitable for splitting into Lots. This is the purchase of a single piece of equipment therefore dividing the requirement into Lots would undermine proper execution of the Contract and would not be possible from a technical perspective.