Carbon Isotope Analysis Systems

Determining the isotopic composition of carbon in a compound is a critical capability in many scientific, industrial, and environmental applications. Isotopic data can be used to:

Gain insights into how carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere and ecosystems
Monitor carbon geo-sequestration sites
Verify food origin and authenticity
Substantiate supply chain integrity
Detect the carbon source in dissolved carbonates
Identify and partition the sources of fugitive methane gas emissions

Picarro’s Carbon Isotope Analysis Systems provide the high-quality, real-time, continuous measurements of δ¹³C in CO₂ and CH₄ quickly and simply. Their small, light, robust design makes them ideal for lab and field work. And, with a comprehensive selection of compatible peripherals, the Picarro analyzers can process just about any type of sample.

The Gold Standard

Innovation, Precision, and Continuous Measurements

For more than 20 years, researchers and scientists have trusted Picarro’s Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy (CRDS) technology to deliver exceptional solutions for fast, accurate carbon isotope measurements.

Patented CRDS technology delivers highest performance and precision, and lowest drift measurements
Unparalleled speed produces parts-per-trillion (ppt) measurements in seconds
Multi-species, real-time continuous analysis
Straightforward and infrequent calibrations
Carefully selected sample handling materials and coatings for fast response
Form factor suitable for mobile and stationary deployments
Fast start-up and easy-to-use interface
Proven track record in a wide range of applications

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Quickly and Accurately Measure δ¹³C in CO₂ and CH₄ Anywhere

Get the Whole Story

Everything you need to know about our Carbon Isotope Analysis solutions is right here—including details on how they deliver excellent precision at a fraction of IRMS operating cost with less calibration, less maintenance, and no consumables

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G2131-i for δ¹³C for CO₂

G2210-i for δ¹³C for CH₄ and C₂H₆-to-CH₄ Ratio

G2201-i for δ¹³C in CH₄ and CO₂

SSIM 2 measures small, discrete gas samples

Closed System Measurement Package avoids external contamination in sample-limited studies

Combustion Module for solid and liquid samples with carbon contents as low as 250 µg

Caddy connects solid and liquid bulk sample preparation instruments to Picarro analyzers

AutoMate FX sample preparation device

Carbon Isotope Analysis Systems

Comprehensive Solutions for a Wide Range of Applications

Picarro’s Carbon Isotope Analysis Systems are the gold standard in measurement technology. Picarro systems can be deployed for applications ranging from atmospheric and ocean science research to food and beverage origin and authenticity, to measuring and determining the source of methane emissions at landfills, fracking sites, and abandoned oil and gas wells. Picarro’s carbon isotope analysis solutions combine outstanding precision with reduced calibration requirements, minimal maintenance and consumables, all at a fraction of the operating cost of Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS). This makes Picarro’s solutions faster, easier, and more cost-effective, enabling efficient capture of the unique insights offered by stable isotope ratios.

WHAT'S NEW

Easier Analyzing of Stable Carbon Isotopes of DIC in Water or Solid-Carbonate Samples

Measuring stable carbon isotopes of Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC) just got easier. Learn how in this poster where our applications scientist explains how he tested the new Picarro Caddy plus AutoMate Prep Device paired with the G2201-i and was able to achieve precision values always better than 0.2‰, and on average ~0.08‰ – while reducing memory effects. He also describes why the solution is simpler to set up and operate.

Picarro Inc. Headquarters

3105 Patrick Henry Dr. Santa Clara, California 95054 USA