Orbitrap Isora Mass Spectrometer

Orbitrap Isora introduces a different approach to isotope ratio analysis by enabling isotope ratios to be measured directly from individual molecular species and their isotopologues. Unlike conventional IRMS workflows, where samples are often converted into simple gases before measurement, Orbitrap technology retains substantially more molecular information, allowing chemical composition and isotopic signatures to be investigated together.

The system supports natural-abundance isotope ratio analysis, including elements such as C, N, O, H, and S. Simultaneous acquisition of major and selected minor isotopologues enables detailed investigation of isotopic composition within complex organic molecules.

Through controlled HCD fragmentation, Orbitrap Isora can provide position-specific isotope ratio information. Analysis of individual functional groups or molecular fragments makes it possible to investigate not only the overall isotope composition of a molecule, but also the distribution of isotopes within its structure.

The platform also supports measurement of clumped isotopes — isotopologues containing more than one rare-isotope substitution. This expands capabilities for studying formation mechanisms, metabolic processes, provenance, and chemical transformation pathways.

Orbitrap Isora operates as an integrated solution with the Thermo Scientific™ Vanquish™ Duo UHPLC System, providing controlled introduction of samples and reference materials. This approach supports isotope measurement accuracy and enables automated workflows from sample introduction to final result.

Data processing is performed using Thermo Scientific™ Isotope Discoverer™ Software. The software extracts isotope ratio information directly from high-resolution Orbitrap data, supports filtering, correction, and calibration, and generates final delta values. Intermediate and final results can be visualized and exported for further analysis and documentation.

The systems provide a five-order intrascan dynamic range, HCD fragmentation, and high mass-scale stability. With internal calibration, mass accuracy can be below 1 ppm RMS, while EASY-IC™ technology supports long-term stability through scan-to-scan mass correction.

Two configurations

Orbitrap Isora Mass Spectrometer provides maximum resolving power of up to 240,000 FWHM at m/z 200 and is designed for a broad range of isotope and isotopologue analyses.

Orbitrap Isora Pro Mass Spectrometer extends performance to a maximum resolving power of up to 480,000 FWHM at m/z 200, supporting improved separation of closely spaced isotopologue signals and analysis of more complex molecular systems.

Orbitrap Isora supports applications in environmental and climate research, geochemistry, metabolic and biochemical studies, food authenticity and origin determination, metabolic pathway tracing, and investigation of chemical transformation mechanisms.