What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of δ13C analysis using EA-OA-ICOS coupling compared to traditional methods.

February 28, 2026

Elemental Analyzer–Interface–Off-Axis Integrated Cavity Output Spectroscopy (EA-OA-ICOS): A Universal Coupling for Carbon Stable Isotope Analysis of Organic Materials

Key Points

The aim is to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of δ13C analysis using EA-OA-ICOS coupling compared to traditional methods.
Developed a coupling between elemental analyzer and off-axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy.
Measured δ13C through sample combustion with a dedicated interface.
Compared results with conventional isotope ratio mass spectrometry using international standards.
Achieved high accuracy with standard deviations of δ13C ± 0.22‰ and % C ± 0.24%.
Demonstrated similar mean values and standard deviations compared to EA-IRMS.
Proven compatibility with various commercial elemental analyzers.

Abstract

An innovative coupling between a custom-built elemental analyzer (EA) and an off-axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy (OA-ICOS) laser is introduced for δ13C analysis of solid organic samples, providing an efficient and eco-friendly alternative to conventional elemental analysis─isotope ratio mass spectrometry (EA-IRMS). This study demonstrates that δ13C can be efficiently measured after sample combustion, through a dedicated interface, with high accuracy (standard deviations δ13C ± 0.22‰, % C ± 0.24%). Using a thorough methodology, EA-ICOS analysis of international standards was compared to conventional EA-IRMS, giving similar mean values and standard deviations. The interface coupled to the OA-ICOS laser is universal and can be connected to various commercial EAs. In this study, two different EAs were tested, giving highly comparable results and demonstrating that this coupling is compatible with EAs commonly available in analytical laboratories.

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