Contents
A. Theoretical and Instrumental Background
1
I. Definition of Isotopes . . . .
1
II. Isotope Effects
. . . .
4
III. Isotope Fractionation Processes
6
IV. Basic Principles of Mass Spectrometry
10
V. Standards . . . . . . . . . . . .
15
VI. General Remarks on Sample Handling
17
VII. Some General Trends in Stable Isotope Geochemistry
18
B. Fractionation Mechanisms of Selected Elements
19
I. Hydrogen . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19
1. Preparation Technique and Mass-Spectrometric
Measurement . . . . .
20
2. Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20
3. Fractionation Mechanisms
. . . . . . . .
20
a) Vapor Pressure and Freezing-Point Differences' .
20
b) Equilibrium Exchange Reactions
21
c) Kinetic Isotope Effects
22
II. Carbon . . . . . . . .
22
1. Introductory Remarks
22
2. Preparation Technique
23
3. Standards . . . . . .
23
4. Fractionation Mechanisms of Carbon Isotopes
23
III. Oxygen . . . . . . . .
26
1. Preparation Techniques
27
2. Standards
. . . . .
28
3. Fractionation Mechanisms
29
a) Equilibrium Exchange Reactions
29
b) Fractionations Due to Kinetic Processes
32
c) Fractionations Due to Vapor Pressure Differences
32
IV. Sulfur . . . . . . . . .
32
1. Standard . . . . . .
33
2. Preparation Technique
33
3. Fractionation Mechanisms
34