Equipment and Contract Analysis

Analytical Instruments and Services

Our laboratory is equipped with a range of mass spectrometers, including isotope ratio mass spectrometers (IRMS), Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometers, and tandem mass spectrometers (MS/MS). Most of these instruments were either demonstration models or pre-owned units, acquired through competitive research grants secured by Prof. Kawashima.

Because these analytical instruments are extremely expensive (ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars) and their maintenance costs are also high, we have taken various steps to reduce expenses. For example, we have learned essential maintenance and repair techniques directly from instrument engineers, allowing us to carry out most repairs in-house. We also import many parts and consumables from overseas, especially during periods of favorable exchange rates, to further reduce operating costs.

One of our guiding principles is to conduct research that is not only cutting-edge and impactful but also resourceful and cost-effective. We continuously engage in trial and error alongside our students, making research both educational and enjoyable.

Contract Analysis and Technical Services

We have also started offering contract analysis services. The following isotope analyses are currently available:

• Stable isotope ratios of carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen in solid samples (e.g., soils, reagents, biological materials)

• Carbon isotope ratios of sugars, alcohols, and organic acids in aqueous solutions (e.g., beverages, honey)

• Nitrogen and oxygen isotope ratios of nitrate, and nitrogen isotope ratios of ammonium in aqueous and particulate samples

We are constantly expanding our application range. Some of our analytical methods have been published in peer-reviewed international journals specializing in chemical and isotope analysis. In addition, we have participated in international proficiency tests organized by institutions such as the IAEA and the European Commission (e.g., for nitrate and honey), which help us maintain and verify the international standard of our laboratory's analytical quality.

Inquiries and Collaboration

If you are interested in pretreatment methods, sample amount requirements, available analyses, pricing, or collaborative research, feel free to contact Prof. Kawashima at khiroto@shibaura-it.ac.jp.

Regarding isotopic characterization of chemical reagents, we determine values using several international reference materials and currently maintain a working standard library of nearly 70 different reagents. We are happy to assist with custom isotope value determination as well.　

Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer

• IRMS（Isoprime，Elementar），Sample Preparation Instruments (EA with pyrolysis furnace, 2D-GC, LC) 
• IRMS（Delta XP，Thermo Fisher Scientific），Sample Preparation Instruments (GC, Gas Bench with Denitrifying Bacteria System)
• IRMS(MAT253，Thermo Fisher Scientific），Sample Preparation Instruments (GC, LC)

Mass Spectrometer 

• Orbitrap（Q- Exective，Thermo Fisher Scientific）
• LC/MSMS（TSQ Quantum，Thermo Fisher Scientific）
• GC/MS（6890 /5973，Agilent Technologies）

Others

• Ion chromatograph, IC-2010（Toso）

• Heated Desorption System (TDS, manufactured by Gerstel GmbH)

• High-Volume Sampler (HVS-1000F, manufactured by Shibata Scientific Technology Ltd.) etc.