SILL

The Stable Isotope Laboratory (SILL) produces high resolution stable isotope analyses on solid organic materials, such as tree cores and plant tissues. SILL provides remote access to Users with analytical services and comprehensive data outputs. At the core of SILL is a state-of-the-art laser ablation system coupled with isotope ratio mass spectrometer (LA-IRMS). This setup enables precise intra-annual analysis of carbon (δ¹³C) isotope composition in tree rings – a tool for understanding plant physiological responses and reconstructing past environmental conditions. SILL routinely performs high resolution (30-40 µm) analysis of carbon isotope composition (δ¹³C) in organic matrices, including tree-rings and cellulose. Recently, a novel method for high resolution (~50 µm) analysis of both δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C in organic matrices has been developed at SILL.